We start off the day with some not so pleasant quotes from one of our best and most consistent players. Bacary Sagna. He has been injured for a while but is no doubt the best right back in the league when fit and he carries the badge with pride and determination. I can remember the goal he scored in last season's North London derby. A towering header in the box which kick started our fight back - one of the most memorable goals in recent times. Anyway, here are those quotes:
'Everyone knew Robin was leaving. But Alex? He's 24. He had 3 yrs on contract. I still dont understand. He's a huge loss'
When 2 best players go, you ask questions. Fans come up in street, I understand frustration. Like them I don't understand everything
I'm the only starting player left from 2007. In May, I watched City's parade on TV. I saw Samir & Gael lift the trophy. I want that'
L'Equipe: Were Nasri and Clichy right to leave? Sagna: 'Yes, but we didn't know then.'
What's your situation: 'I've 1 yr left at end of season'
Sagna is asked by L'Equipe if the club have spoken to him about extending his contract: 'No, nobody'
When you first read over those the first feeling is that of shock. For a player who's name we usually associate with loyalty, they seem unreal. It just seems so unlike him. I also don't think any of the above quotes are necessary. No doubt they have many valid and worrying points but after losing our best player and another of our regulars, its just not the time to release them. But I guess Arsenal fans have to wake up and smell the roses whether its sooner or later. What message does selling our best players 2 years in a row send? Clearly not a very good one. The most worrying part of that interview is the last part. He has 2 years left on his contract and nobody at the club has bothered to offer him an extension. No doubt its because of his advancing age and injury concerns but if Arsene Wenger is as loyal to his players as we all know him to be, he would deserve to be getting a new long term contract. Maybe I am just biased based on my absolute love for Sagna but in my eyes he could be playing for another 3 or 4 years at the highest level.
On to another very valid concern. We have sold Fabregas, Nasri, Song, van Persie, Clichy in recent seasons. What message does that send to the players who's contracts need extending? We are currently negotiating with Walcott, Gibbs, Chamberlain. All up and coming stars and all represent the new English 'core' we are trying to establish. How do they view our long term future? I hope Sagna's interview is not a hint.
Other than that there isn't much else happening. Arsenal named their Champions League and Premier League squads. No surprises really except the inclusion of Gnabry. Such a talented youngster. Look forward to watching him flourish in and around the first team this season.
'Till Tomorrow
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