Arsenal
captain Robin Van Persie yesterday issued a strongly worded statement,
declaring his intension to leave the club he joined in 2004 as a relative
unknown. At that stage in his career the Dutchman was viewed in a very similar way
to how Mario Balotelli is perceived today; a hugely talented youngster whose great
potential was in grave danger of being wasted. Arsene Wenger however had immense
faith in him and stuck by him through the desperate lows such as a needless red
card away to Southampton early in his Arsenal career, which effectively cost
the Gunners the league championship and let’s not forget the numerous and
endless injuries, most of which were sustained while playing international
football with Holland. Throughout all of this Wenger was always there for Van
Persie. In his role as manager and father figure Wenger nurtured the precocious
youngster, and saw him develop into the world class player he is today. And how
is he repaid? With a statement which not only declares Van Persie’s position in
no uncertain terms, but also questions the club’s ambition, effectively placing
any potential incoming transfers in serious jeopardy.
Van
Persie declared on his official website: "I've thought long and hard about
it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.... I personally have had a
great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the
club back to its glory days....Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the
players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately...it
has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal
FC should move forward...I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens...I
have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC...Everybody at
the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always
given my all on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this
fantastic club for the last eight years."
Essentially,
when the time came to commit himself to the club which has given him so much,
Van Persie decided the grass looked greener on the other side and despite the
offer of £135,000 a week and a £5million signing on fee, he no longer wants to
be part of a club where he is the star attraction and team captain. Rather the
Dutchman would prefer to become one of the crowd at a club like Manchester City
in his quest to win silverware. Well, had he managed to avoid injury for more
than one season, may be Arsenal would have won the trophies he so desperately
craves, and incidentally I don’t remember him complaining when visiting the
treatment room for months on end and still collecting his £80,000 a week wages.
Although he has claimed money is not the issue, I’m sure it played its role in
the decision making process.
So
where do Arsenal go from here? If the Gunners decide to cash in on a player who
clearly no longer wants to be a part of the club at least the fans can take
solace in the fact that in contrast to last summer’s transfer window debacle,
with Fabregas and Nasri, Wenger has made astute early signings, in Podolski and
Giroud, who could fill the void left by Van Persie. (How’s that for ambition
Robin?) According to renowned French football expert, Philippe Auclair, Giroud
could be the perfect replacement for the Dutchman, with his strong physique and
his great ability in receiving the ball with his back to goal and wonderful link-up
play.
 |
| Perfect rplacement? Olivier Giroud |
However
Arsenal would not receive anything near their £25million asking price for a 29
year old player who has a long history of injury troubles and so as indicated
in their own statement the club may just hold their captain
to the last year of his contract:
“We
have to respect Robin's decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year
to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfill his
commitments to the Club...We are planning with ambition and confidence for next
season with Arsenal's best interests in mind." Although it would be a
great risk as it is impossible to predict how Van Persie’s presence in the
dressing room would affect the team morale, this stance would send a clear
message to the rest of the squad. For far too long, Arsenal have allowed
players, who they have developed into top class talent, to effectively hold the
club to ransom and it is time Wenger and Gazidis put their foot down.
In addition holding onto Van Persie for one more
year, would allow Giroud and Podolski time to settle at the club and into
English football, providing them with the perfect platform to take over from
the Dutchman upon his departure. The club would also then possess one of the
best attacks in the Premier next season and be in a very strong position to end
the trophy drought which has become an albatross around its neck.
Whichever stance the club decides upon, it is
important that he fans remain steadfast in their support of the team. Yes Van
Persie will leave, but this is Arsenal Football Club, it has always been bigger
than one player and always will be. Players come and go but Arsenal is for life:
Victoria Concordia Crescit!!
No comments:
Post a Comment