After a (mostly) well-deserved break, The Arsenal got their 2012/13 preparations underway. The vigorous pre-season fitness regime that barely compares to any exercise routine ever created began, and by the look of things the emphasis seems to be on lots weights and various strength-building drills. If only Arsene Wenger had been 'strong' enough about 2 months ago to this shameful RVP business. If it had all been sorted, we would've been in the best possible position to start the new season.
But of course, it hardly ever seems to run so smoothly. Can't say it was all Wenger's fault, though. Or chief exec, Ivan Gazidis, but God knows what he's doing on a beach far away from here. As much as Robin is deserving of trophies I thought his handling of the situation is quite disrespectful, and very un-RVP. I wonder how much influence his agent had in this.
Personally, I expected him not to extend his contract. Several players go into their last year without too much fuss, and the way it works out for him was good - if he chose to stay at Arsenal. It was a win-win scenario for him: don't extend the contract, stay one more year at a much-improved Arsenal (on already decent wages), one more crack at trophies with the Gunners, and leave if we (touch wood) fail for an 8th straight year - simple.
Or not. Suddenly, out of the blue, a 'lack of ambition' comes out of nowhere. The phrase "putting words in his mouth" spring to mind. Why? Because according to Robin Van Persie, signing one of Europe's top strikers (Podolski) and an up-and-coming superstar (Giroud) lacks ambition. Rubbish. The worst thing is, we are in a much better position than we were in last year, yet only now the thought leaving enters his mind? Money talks, I guess.
It would make no sense for the sake of his career to move elsewhere, especially at the age of 30. Where would he fit in at Barca with Villa, Messi and Pedro, or at City with Aguero, Dzeko and Tevez. He would fit in at title-winning Juventus after the outgoing legend that is Del Piero, but let's be honest - Serie A is depressingly poor compared to the Premier League. He will absolutely destroy Serie A. He will make Ibrahimovic look like Georgios Samaras. And would you really just move to win easy trophies? Surely not. How selfish would that be? On a par with Na$ri at least.
The important thing is for Gooners, is the assurance that whatever happens, we'll be okay. We survived when Vieira left, then Henry, Adebayor, Toure, Fabregas after them. We're always up there and always challenging from the start. Last season was difficult but mistakes were made and lessons were learnt. No need to worry.
Even if the unthinkable happens and Van Persie makes a dramatic but very welcome U-turn, he will have some bridges to rebuild - and fast. We've bought the supply for him, and if he stays we'll have the deadliest front three in the league. Hit the ground running and we'll have trophies in that cabinet in no time (albeit 8 years too late).
Otherwise, it's a stress-free build-up for the Gunners. Everything else has been going swimmingly. Players have arrived, with possibly more following, a strong team after last year's heroic resurgence to the Champions League and we've also managed to ship Ramsey off to the Olympics - sorted.
Come On You Reds!
But of course, it hardly ever seems to run so smoothly. Can't say it was all Wenger's fault, though. Or chief exec, Ivan Gazidis, but God knows what he's doing on a beach far away from here. As much as Robin is deserving of trophies I thought his handling of the situation is quite disrespectful, and very un-RVP. I wonder how much influence his agent had in this.
Personally, I expected him not to extend his contract. Several players go into their last year without too much fuss, and the way it works out for him was good - if he chose to stay at Arsenal. It was a win-win scenario for him: don't extend the contract, stay one more year at a much-improved Arsenal (on already decent wages), one more crack at trophies with the Gunners, and leave if we (touch wood) fail for an 8th straight year - simple.
Or not. Suddenly, out of the blue, a 'lack of ambition' comes out of nowhere. The phrase "putting words in his mouth" spring to mind. Why? Because according to Robin Van Persie, signing one of Europe's top strikers (Podolski) and an up-and-coming superstar (Giroud) lacks ambition. Rubbish. The worst thing is, we are in a much better position than we were in last year, yet only now the thought leaving enters his mind? Money talks, I guess.
It would make no sense for the sake of his career to move elsewhere, especially at the age of 30. Where would he fit in at Barca with Villa, Messi and Pedro, or at City with Aguero, Dzeko and Tevez. He would fit in at title-winning Juventus after the outgoing legend that is Del Piero, but let's be honest - Serie A is depressingly poor compared to the Premier League. He will absolutely destroy Serie A. He will make Ibrahimovic look like Georgios Samaras. And would you really just move to win easy trophies? Surely not. How selfish would that be? On a par with Na$ri at least.
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| Trophies: 1 Contribution: Zero. |
The important thing is for Gooners, is the assurance that whatever happens, we'll be okay. We survived when Vieira left, then Henry, Adebayor, Toure, Fabregas after them. We're always up there and always challenging from the start. Last season was difficult but mistakes were made and lessons were learnt. No need to worry.
Even if the unthinkable happens and Van Persie makes a dramatic but very welcome U-turn, he will have some bridges to rebuild - and fast. We've bought the supply for him, and if he stays we'll have the deadliest front three in the league. Hit the ground running and we'll have trophies in that cabinet in no time (albeit 8 years too late).
Otherwise, it's a stress-free build-up for the Gunners. Everything else has been going swimmingly. Players have arrived, with possibly more following, a strong team after last year's heroic resurgence to the Champions League and we've also managed to ship Ramsey off to the Olympics - sorted.
Come On You Reds!
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