Million-pound flats and gastropubs - welcome to Hleb's chaotic world

If Alexander Hleb resided in Harlesden or Tooting he might have received a touch more sympathy. Life in those parts of London can indeed be chaotic and people do seem to be racing around 24 hours a day. But Hampstead? The loudest sound you hear is the banging of hammers as builders enhance already luxurious properties.

Of all his attempts to force a move from Arsenal, Hleb's most recent - living in London is so frenzied that it has left him "mentally tired" - is the most feeble. The Belarus international, who is expected to sign for Barcelona shortly, lives in one of the capital's most affluent enclaves, a hill village littered with coffee shops and gastropubs, which, according to a recent survey, has more millionaires than any other area of Britain. The average price for a property there is £1.2m.

"I can't get used to the chaotic way of life in London," he said. "Everyone is racing around 24 hours a day."

Hleb's own bit of Hampstead is particularly exclusive, a stretch of eye-catching apartments and towering trees which has gained something of a reputation within the Arsenal dressing room. Cesc Fábregas and Robin van Persie also live there, as did Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry. How Hleb could find life there stressful is anybody's guess. Six people walked through the road during the two hours the Guardian was there.

Hleb was not around - he was attending possibly his final training session at London Colney - but, had the noise got to him, the 27-year-old could have strolled to Hampstead Heath, five minutes away, which offers enough tranquillity to soothe the most frazzled mind. "This is a lovely area to live in and those that do should count themselves very lucky," said one resident, Caroline Shepherd. "How this man can say it is chaotic is beyond me."

If Hleb is looking for a quiet life then he will not do much better than the leafy patch of north London he currently calls home. The winger will certainly not be getting more sleep if, as expected, he is soon living within range of Las Ramblas. Money seems to be the overriding factor but one look at his address makes that explanation, too, difficult to believe.

Source:Guardian