Eduardo refuses to blame Taylor

Arsenal's injured striker Eduardo insists Birmingham defender Martin Taylor is not to blame for his broken leg.

Eduardo had an operation on Saturday night, hours after breaking his leg in two places when he was tackled by Taylor during a 2-2 draw at St Andrew's.

Immediately after the game, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Taylor should not be allowed to play football again, although he later retracted that comment.

However, Eduardo does not believe Taylor tried to injure him deliberately.

He said: "I don't remember the incident very well and it is not something that I want to see again on television or in the newspapers.

"All I remember is that when I fell, I looked down at my foot and it had turned the other way. The rest is just a blank. It was an unfortunate situation but these things can happen in football."

Eduardo will definitely miss the rest of the season and he will not be fit to play for Croatia at the European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.

He added: "I am unsure at the moment of the extent of the injury and how long I will be out of action for but I know that I won't be able to play for Arsenal for the rest of the season or be ready in time for the Euros this summer but I'm not worried about that.

"My concentration and determination is on making as quick a recovery as possible. I am determined to overcome this injury.

"I would like to thank the medical team here at Arsenal for their efforts as well as the staff at Selly Oak Hospital who carried out the operation on Saturday night. Everyone there made me feel as comfortable as possible.

"I would also like to say how touched I am by the many messages of support I have received and to be surrounded by my loved ones at this time."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.