Mathieu Flamini: 'England more intense than Italy'

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has claimed that the Premier League is a more physical and intense league than Serie A.

The 33-year-old returned to the Gunners for a second spell over the summer following five years in Italy with AC Milan.

"In the Premier League, from the first minute to the last minute, there is a very high intensity," he told Arsenal's official website.

"It's very physical. You don't have an easy part of the game, like you could find in Italy.

"The Premier League is 100%, from the first minute until the end. That's the main difference for me."

Flamini has made 10 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal so far this season.