Cesc was in the press yesterday and he talked about he fact he’s not definitely leaving Arsenal. It was an interesting piece for him, because up to now, we really didn’t know how he feel, what he wanted or what his thoughts were. Now, of course, we do. What was interesting is the media reaction (in some quarters) putting a positive spin on this, with phrases like “Encouraging Words From Cesc”, or “Cesc Puts A Smile On All Gooner’s Faces”… Now, I implore you to read this and tell me what you think…
“I haven’t said that I will definitely leave Arsenal. Everything is possible. Now I have my head and my focus on the World Cup.”
When I read that, my heart sunk. By saying he hasn’t said he is definitely leaving Arsenal – what he is saying – in the same time – is that he is definitely not leaving Arsenal. Previous to this statement, I believed that Barcelona wanted him more than he wanted to move. But now it’s looking likely that he actually was “in two minds” and that is the disappointing thing which changes everything. Can a captain of a European giant such as ourselves be flirting with others club – be it his boyhood one or not – is this not the same if not worse than what Adebayor did 2 summers ago?
For me, a player of his calibre, with such a status with fans and club, should be honest and come out with what he wants – if he wants to leave, he wants to leave – if he wants to stay, he wants to stay. He has not said he wants to stay and has not said he wants to go. The statement reads “everything is possible”. I don’t know how you feel about it or how you have reacted to the comment, but all in all, it’s the closest thing he’s said about leaving – as I said earlier, you can read this statement as “I haven’t said that I will definitely be joining Barcelona. Everything is possible.”.
Cesc did continue – and this could be the flipside of the statement that keeps him at the club – he is our captain and is our leader.
“I am very proud to be captain of Arsenal and I love the club and have respect for them. It gave me such pride to be made captain.”
If Cesc does leave – he will be a loss – he is one of the best young players in the world – and to find an adequate replacement will be hard – to say the least – but do we want to keep a player who is unhappy? Do we want to keep a player who has been thinking of leaving?
Off the topic of Cesc for now and onto the topic of our new kit – our new recycled kit – and I heard about the way our kit was made earlier today but I didn’t believe it until I read it on the Arsenal.com site itself. Check this out:
“While the design is traditional, the technology is cutting edge. Every shirt is made entirely from recycled polyester, crafted from up to eight plastic water bottles as part of Nike’s ‘Considered Design’ programme, which sees discarded plastic bottles diverted from landfills to be used in the manufacturing process”
Really, eight plastic water bottles = one new shirt? Am I going mad, did they actually say that! Indeed it’s true and it’s a credible thing to do for the club and for the environment and hat’s off to Arsenal and Nike for doing such a thing. For those of you who haven’t seen it, take a look here:
Dashing hey? Reminds me of the good old times. Theo, Alex Song and Tommy V were in the press talking about it and they all pretty much said they loved it – especially pointing out that it was comfortable and highlighting the fact it was made out of recycled bottles!
Finally, I just wanted to touch on the changes we’ve done to our youth set up and reserves – well, now there are no reserves – we’ve got all European and disbanded the reserves and of course, will not be entering the reserve league this coming season. I think it’s a great idea and it means that players don’t languish in a somewhat uncompetitive arena. The younger players will player in the under 16′s and under 18′s – and if a player is deemed good enough for first team football, then he will be loaned or fast tracked into the first team.
Ultimately, I think it’s a good vantage as it means that players over 18 will now go on loan to get first team experience before breaking into our first team – something you can’t do in the reserves and something invaluable. Another good move.
Despite what’s happening on the pitch, you always feel that – as a club – we’re moving in the right direction. The new stadium, the Arsenalisation, the personal stones outside the Emirates, the club level re-design and the kits are all light years ahead of other clubs. We can rest assure that the future is all red and white.
Til tomorrow…!
