Agreed. I've never had a problem with older players or atleast 26+ following the money (Drogba, Falcao, Ibra, Samba) as they know where their career is going and what ambitions they have / have fulfilled but a player as young an as sought after as Bernard moving to the Ukranian League depresses me. Does he really have no ambition except money?
Shaktar have had a large number of Brazilians in their squad in recent years. He probably thinks that he'll develop there for a couple of season and then move again.
Why does this shock you or anyone else with regards footballers? It's all about the money. They don't support clubs...and trophies don't really mean much do they? Lets be honest most clubs are happy to finish 2nd, 3rd or 4th like ourselves. Why? CL league income first, glory second. Therefore it does not surprise me that the nature nurtured into young footballers is to chase the money...so they oblige. Nobody can complain as the whole philosophy of modern football is flawed. Edit : we can complain..but nothing will change it unfortunately. I hope the game implodes sometimes.
"10% of £150k pw should be enough for a nest egg?" X% of his Madrid wages + signing-on stuff might be much more appealing to an agent who may no longer be representing Bale come next summer.
It wouldn't had he been a bit older but at 20 years old surely he has dreams of winning something or playing in a top league? If he was 25/26/27 I'd not be surprised but at 20 he should be raring to make something of himself and I'm fairly sure he'd start at any of Porto Spurs and Arsenal!
It makes sense to grab the money while he's young. He could get a career threatening injury. The same could be said about Bale's "supposed" want to go to Real.
You'd think that wouldn't you? i find younger people to be more swayed and generally stupid than the older head in general. Look at Anelka...he chased the pennies and now is just glad to be kicking a ball for WBA...granted he had talent too...but a young man with money being thrown at him will struggle to resist. That's why in wills etc you get parents who actually care about their kids saying that they can't receive any inheritance unless they over specific ages etc..because they know what money can do. I'm off topic now no doubt...back to transfer news.
IMO, Bale's desire to join Real, if that's what it is, stems from Real's very clever, but rather shifty tactics. He's been fed the "real only comes knocking once" line that they have spun, and swallowed it hook, line, and sinker. I'm sure his agent, who feels that he has at least one hand on the golden piss-pot, will keep trying to drive this as long as he can, also.
If Bale had my mindset, he would be hoping Barcelona would one day come for him while at Spurs. They have the best ethos for how to try and play the game. The "Galacticos" era Madrid just seems to be long gone for now (as the CL has shown in recent times) .
Soldado finally confirmed with the shirt on Twitter by the official account EDIT: well I'm rubbish at embedding images now aren't I...
What I never understand is this bollocks about 'every kid dreams about playing for the Madrid's, Barca's and United's of this world' As a Spurs fan I never had such dreams!! As kids we want to play for who we support...they make out as though players would pay out of their own pockets to play for these clubs...yes money has nothing to do with it! Bazinga!
The name of Real Madrid always has had, and still does have, that aura about it. It is still one of the greatest clubs in the world. Even now, almost any players head can be turned by the prospect of pulling on that famous white shirt.
That is a by-product of the CL (the increased exposure) . I did enjoy as a kid watching what little UEFA ties did get shown on TV in the late 70s / early 80s. As well as going to WHL to see the games. IMHO a similar thing existed in rugby. The appearance of the All Blacks was a very special thing in the UK. Now you'll see them play England 1-2 times a year, even outside of the RWC.
"The name of Real Madrid always has had, and still does have, that aura about it. It is still one of the greatest clubs in the world." The same could be said of the Poool.
Bernard at 21m is too expensive. And from the stuff I've read he's still somewhat considered a prospect rather than a nailed on starter for us. Most likely out of our price range which is a shame as he does look like he could be pretty special. Roo, you mentioned an exodus and the hudd's move. Progress? Any CB developments too? We acted hastily there for sure! Pleased to see bobby confirmed.
Exactly this. When I was growing up I was football mad but I never took any interest in foreign leagues. I still have no interest in foreign leagues or players playing in foreign leagues and cannot bring myself to even watch more than 10 minutes of any El Classico. If a player moves to the prem or plays a prem team its a different matter. Any football outside of the prem I find really boring. Italy and Germany are slow, the theatrics is Spain are laughable and France well no idea, but I assume it's full of own goals. What is the big deal about Barca or Real?! because personally I cannot see the big attraction for an British player to play there.
Over the years I've had insurance companies trying to sell me sporting injury insurance. Income protection, private hospital treatment, physiotherapy fees, the lot. I don't beleive for one second that the professionals don't have similar insurance. It's anohter one of those things that seperate the rich from me - decent insurance. If it's all about money, which I also refuse to believe, the injury argument holds no weight.
I wouldn't spend £21m on Bernard. Way too big a risk for someone completely unproveb in Europe. For £21m, there's a good chance you could get players like Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld in a double deal. A much better and wiser way to spend money in my opinion.
Wasn't Ronaldo or Beckham's right foot insured for something ridiculous in case of a career ending injury?
