That's all true SNIAW, but I'd also do it in a professional manner which would take my company into account, if possible. If van Persie, for example, wants to move on in the summer, then sitting down with Wenger and explaining his position now would be the best thing to do. Give the club time to negotiate a good deal for themselves and organise a replacement, so you're not leaving them in the lurch when you depart. Don't sneak around behind their backs via your agent, then stamp your feet and demand a move instantly, regardless of how badly it screws your current employer. After all, these are extremely highly paid sportsmen, who some clubs and some coaches have taken chances on. Van Persie was sold to Arsenal cheaply because of his injury problems and a supposed attitude problem. He has to accept that he's in the position that he's in because of Arsene Wenger and Arsenal FC, at least in part.
RVP has only ever reiterated his commitment to Arsenal when asked about his future. There's nothing but speculation to suggest that he's planning to leave.
If you are expecting club loyalty from top footballers - those days are long gone. Its money and maybe silverware they want - being thought of as heroes after their career is over doesn't hold any interest.
Honestly yes I would be surprised. I think RVP is committed to the club, I don't think it's simply hot air to placate the fans. I could be proved wrong of course, but my feeling is that RVP will still be with us for a few seasons yet.
Not really I suppose. I don't think it's a problem though, we don't have to agree. Ultimately only RVP knows what he wants to do, so our opinions are just speculative.
I'm sorry SNIAW, but this is utter bollocks. I've no idea why this keeps getting thrown out there, as it's utterly untrue. Firstly, they can actually go and do something else after they retire from playing football. They don't just suddenly seize up and becoming completely immobile. Even if they don't want to stay within the game, they have about two decades of doing sod all every afternoon for most of the week, when they could learn to do something else. Secondly, they get paid far, far more than your average man in the street. The average UK wage was £26k pa last year. The average Premier League wage was £22,353 a week, before bonuses or sponsorship deals. One year is a lifetime of work for a normal man.
Just because Nasri was a money grabbing ****, it doesn't follow that the same logic should apply to RVP. I think some players do still have a sense of loyalty and commitment to their clubs. Everything that RVP has said about the situation has been to reiterate his commitment to Arsenal and his desire to win trophies with us. These are not the words of the press, they are the words of RVP himself. I can't say for certain whether he'll stay or not, that's down to him and the club. But everything he has said so far suggests that he wants to stay with Arsenal, unless he's lying, which I don't think he is. What is certain is that the suggestion that he wants to leave is simply pure speculation.
I completely agree with this, why do so many people accept the 'short career argument'? Why should footballers be exempt from earning a living like normal people?
The average Premier League player earns over £1m a year before bonuses and sponsorship, SNIAW. It's clearly not essential for them to earn as much as they possibly can, if that's the average.
I'm not ruling out the possibility, although I would be surprised if he did leave. If he had an ulterior motive and didn't want to upset Arsenal fans, why did he just not say 'I'll sort out my contract in the summer' and leave it at that? There was no need for him to talk about his love of Arsenal, his commitment to the club, his honour at being made captain, his sense of duty to the team and younger players and his desire to win trophies with Arsenal ? He has said that he wants to negotiate his contract in the summer and not whilst the season is ongoing. That's fair enough. Unless he was being completely disengenious in an attempt to placate the fans, then I would rather believe what he has to say, than base my opinions on baseless speculation.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if RVP is courted by others and leaves. Like other players he may well insist on evidence of investment towards gaining a higher league position, and CL progress. Since we may not qualify next season the latter is already a rocky position. Wenger can pronounce as much as he likes - but it won't be persuasive. I fear for us in next 2 or 3 seasons.
There is nothing underhanded about RvP wishing to wait till the summer. He is not being crafty in any way. The man just wants to know if the squad we will have is enough to win. If not, I think he needs to consider that a solitary FA Cup medal is a lot less than he would like to show for his best years. The club needs to show him it has sporting ambition. I fear for this since the men in suits at N5 have none.
I personally don't think its the fault of Fabs, Nasri or the contract dodging RVP. All you guys are missing the main person(s) at fault here and they are Wenger and co. They know a lot more than what they appear to be saying in the media. As much as i can remember, both Nasri and Fabs both hinted constantly that they would leave if no new investment/trophies were won. Even RVP has been mirroring this same sentiment. Only Wenger and co has been sending messages of misinformation to the media and fans about these guys. I would bet my house on Wenger knowing that RVP is on the verge of leaving but the rubbish story of RVP being too focussed on the season to sign a contract is being drudged up again. RVP leaving is on the cards. Like Fabs and Nasri who both threatened to leave unless significant investment and trophies were won, the same will happen to RVP. You don't need to be mystic Meg to work this out, all the signs and Wenger's silence are pointing to this very thing.
Too true Mr 20K. The management of Arsenal of today as said earlier have no sporting ambition. Just that to make more money which is not used to invest in the sporting aims of the club but in initiatives to make even more money like property and merchandising which explains why Arsenal as a football club is steadily slipping down the order. But hey Mr Young Football Star, sign up with Arsenal and we'll take you on a Far Eastern tour. Join Arsenal and see the world outside of football. Even Newcastle has more lofty sporting ambitions. ( NB - no disrespect to The Toons )
Forget the far east, they are planning a trip to Nigeria to cash in, sorry, give something back to the Arsenal crazy fans in Nigeria. They are too arrogant and comfortable in their fat cat positions that they have forgotten all about us fans. We have been patient, we have endured much, but at least give a little back. 7 years without a trophy and a lack of investment is beyond a joke!
If Barca didn't want him, which other clubs would come in for him? I can't see him going to a Prem side....
