Ben White has made himself unavailable for England selection (Pictures: Getty)

Cesc Fabregas says Ben White is in a small minority of players not obsessed by the sport but says his stance should be ‘respected’ after the Arsenal defender made himself unavailable for England selection.

White asked not to be considered for England’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, having left the Three Lions squad midway through the Qatar World Cup.

The 26-year-old has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season – making 39 appearances in all competitions – and was recently rewarded with a new four-year contract.

White has dismissed claims he does not like football but admits he has less interest outside of playing and training and rarely watches games.
Fabregas believes ‘only five percent’ of players share White’s attitude but insists he came across ‘plenty of guys’ who have a similar outlook during his trophy-laden 20-year career.

‘I think it?s the society we live in at the moment. And I go back again to what I always say it?s all about the money,’ Fabregas said on the Planet Premier League podcast when asked about White’s situation.

‘Footballers get paid a lot of money. And it feels like they should all be focusing on football, no matter what. And they should be an example for everything, and you cannot make mistakes.

White has not featured for England since the...