Until Wednesday afternoon, everything seemed fine in the world of Arsenal and the future, besides for the uncertainty regarding Theo and Robin's contracts, looked bright. We had signed two quality forward players, one being an experienced and talented German International and the other being a devilishly handsome French top scorer. All for a typical Arsenal bargain of 24mil. But, like any other Arsenal story, there always has to be some sort of huge obstacle which stands between the club and success. In this case it was one not-so-innocent 'update' and another open letter.
On the Robin Van Persie issue I feel betrayed, angry and disappointed. This is a guy we all thought was a Gunner through and through, someone who was seemingly driven by a mad hunger to win trophies with the club he loves. It turns out that he DOES have a mad hunger to win trophies, I mean, which world class player doesn't right? It just turns out that he wants to earn big while he is winning those trophies and he doesn't care where he wins them. He is a 29 year old injury prone striker who has had one good season. One incredible season. But that does not give him the right to demand anything. That does not fix the fact that he contributed nothing to the club for the former 7 years when he was injured. That does not mean he is the best Arsenal player. The best Arsenal player is the one which walks onto that field every week appreciating the fact that they are able to don the famous red and white shirt. Someone who is proud to be playing the sport he loves for the club of his dreams. The Thierry Henry's, and the Tony Adams' of the world. I realise that these players are few and far between which is a real shame in the modern game. Money has totally changed the mindset of football nowadays.
Before Wednesday, if I were to choose between selling him, extending his contract for 180 000 a week or keeping him for his final year I would choose the latter. Not because of anything besides the fact that we cannot rely on him keeping fit. I couldn't bare Arsenal paying top notch wages to someone lying on the treatment table, especially for a club so financially restricted.
I am quite disappointed that R&W decided to release the letter a day after Van Persie's announcement. Obviously they had their own reasons, as it served as a PR boost. Or so they thought it would. It was a letter to the board which was meant for the fans. Alisher Usmanov wants to create division in the fan bases and what better way to do it then when Arsenal's captain and talisman has openly stated that he doubts the club's ambition. Usmanov gets the benefit of criticizing the current board and picking holes in their strategy while creating an unrealistic but appealing vision of his own. I still don't see why Kroenke won't speak to Usmanov, its all quite childish if I'm being honest.
Now is the time for Stan to speak out. There is an uneasiness surrounding the club at the moment and the whole club could do with some direction and ambition. Lets hope it happens sooner rather than the last day of August.
'Till Tomorrow
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