Time To Look At Things Through Cesc's Eyes
Jul 14th, 2010 by 'holic
“He has always said that he would like to return to Spain, but whether that will be this year, next year or in two years’ time, I don’t know.”
The words of one of Cesc’s agents, Joseba Diaz, back in 2006 appears to be the origin of the widely held belief among many Arsenal supporters that Cesc will indeed head home one day. In October of that year the midfield maestro committed to Arsenal until the end of the 2014-2015 season.
I should perhaps rephrase that. he signed a contract extension of that length, and I suspect most of us silently imagined we had secured his services until we could still get a reasonable fee for him in two or three years time from now. I am having to be careful with my wording because even now Cesc has never said in public what is becoming pretty apparent.
The prodigal son has been well and truly (and very publically!) wooed, and seems to desire a return home ahead of the schedule that we had subconsciously created for him, and therein perhaps lies the answer as to why some shallow-thinking ingrates utter nonsense about letting him go, or demanding an apology, or even trying to stir up a ‘mixed reception’.
As fans we are very good at implanting players with our values and beliefs. When the lure of elsewhere tugs hard at a player we conjure up feelings of ire and uproar. Some who manage to curb their anger are still inclined to believe that the player will not give his all for the club should he remain.
Well, it is you who are likely to have to confront those irrational feelings, because everything points to the fact that currently Arsenal are unwilling to sell their captain, and Barcelona seem incapable of generating the sort of offer that might persuade those at Highbury House to the negotiating table.
Barca being Barca, that may well change before the end of August. Yes, I’m afraid this nonsense will go on for the next six weeks, so stop getting yourself in a state about it. Papers need to be sold. In the meantime I hope people will think about the situation, and come to accept that Cesc himself understands what is going on here, and is fully prepared for continuing his exemplary service to the Arsenal cause should his home club not meet his market valuation.
Not only is he an exceptional footballer, mature beyond his years, but I also am persuaded he is the complete professional and will give his all, no matter where that may be. Anybody who saw him battling on, even through a broken leg, against the Catalans in the Champions League can surely not doubt his attitude is never less than spot on.
I’m looking forward to seeing him leading out the side in red and white this coming season. I pray the timetable that I and others had in mind for him will continue, but he has now been a Gunner longer than he was at his home town club. If he is to return in the coming month or so then Barca will have to show the sort of financial faith in him that Arsenal did back in 2006 when offering him that massive extension to his contract and guaranteed riches.
I still doubt that will happen, and I am tuning my vocal chords every day for the next ten months. “We’ve got Cesc Fabregas!”
Thank you, ‘holics
I mustn’t go any longer without thanking those of you who have pre-ordered your new shirts through the banner on this blog. The home kit, not surprisingly in my view, is proving to be a real winner, and a message is being well and truly delivered to Arsenal and Nike about what we expect an Arsenal shirt to look like.
A message has been well and truly delivered to me too. The ‘holics are a loyal and generous bunch. Not that I ever doubted that. Thank you very much.
116 Responses to “Time To Look At Things Through Cesc's Eyes”
A ship of calm in a stormy, treacherous sea, Holic.
I’ll just check to see if I agree with that
Yes fair enough
Cheers BtM.
Thanks Jackster. Your seal of approval is always much appreciated ๐
i really hope he doesn’t go – i love jacking off to cesc.
Holic, he doesn’t want to be at Arsenal anymore, his heart has returned home, he probably signed that contract out of respect for Wenger to make sure that Arsenal get’s a good amount of money for making him the player he is today. I think mentally he will get on with playing for us, but emotionally I don’t believe he will be the captain of last year
great post, ‘holic. whatever is going on, i am sure this is difficult for cesc as well – part of him may want to continue as arsenal captain, while another part may want to finally return to camp nou. i can only imagine what it is like, being surrounded by barca players, having a family that more likely than not would prefer the transfer to happen now. that said, none of this is a reason to turn against cesc and slate him, as i have seen in several places the past few weeks. he has never said that he wants a transfer right now, has stated he is proud to be an arsenal player. even if he does prefer a move, it would border insulting to presume that he does not understand (or care) how all the barcelona public posturing has put arsenal in a difficult position. cesc, of all players, is well positioned to understand how the financial austerity of the past several years has affected the product on the pitch and perceptions of the club’s ambition amongst certain sections of support. i do not think he would agree to a situation where arsenal loses….a transfer under the current conditions leaves arsenal the only loser in this story.
Well said ‘holic. Cesc seems a classy individual and I have seen no reason to date to slate him. Eventually he will go but Wenger is spot on to ensure that if/when that happens we get a fair price for our most valuable playing asset. I very much hope we can keep him for one more year.
Cesc is immensely mature for his age, he is loyal, he respects our club, he respects and cherishes the armband and he seems the most committed of our players when he wears they Arsenal jersey. His passion for the Arsenal is second to none.
Whenever he decides to part ways and go back to Barcelona, to be closer to his home, we should pat his back, give him collective blessings and wish him the best. Only one regret if he leaves this year is he could not win a medal with the club that made him what he is today.
A San Miguel for me please Holic. ๐
he wants to leave full stop, there are no other ways of looking at it. if barca offer the right money he will leave if not he will stay, it will never be the same for him or the fans. the whole thing is a shame as barca have stitched him up royally, he put himself out there assuming they would do what is needed to buy him, that now looks unlikely to happen so we are left with a player who doesn’t want to be there and as wonderful as he is i would rather he wasn’t there either we all know his heart isn’t there anymore. sad all round. give the captaincy to RVP.
@stonroy what you say maybe true but it really does not matter. If barca can cogh up the money he is worth then he goes, if they cannot then he stays simple as.
Thats the current situation and that is how it is today.
What he wants or does not want is not what matters really.
Money talks, had someone offered 100M for him he would have been sold regardless of whether he wanted to go or not.
Great read, it’s so good to read something balanced and thought out.
I hope he stays and if he does, I’m sure he’ll be every bit as good as we know he is.
He’s a competitor, he wants to win. You can call it professional (I think he is that too), but it’s the competitive streak in him that will make him give 100% until the whistle when it’s pissing it down away from home on a Wednesday night in December. He wants to win wherever and for whoever he is playing.
I think some of those on his back should remember if he does go, he’s not going abroad, he’s going home, where he was born, grew up and where his family is – and to be fair what a home it is. As much as I have gone off Barca over the last couple of months, their stadium in truly magnificent (I saw Henry score with his HEAD there 2.5 years ago on a stag do and all of us were like kids when we walked into that stadium and saw the pitch and the number of people there – it was incredible). I can’t blame him at all.
BUT, Barca need to pay his value and that is a lot more than they have reportedly offered so far. I really hope they cannot afford him. I have no doubt he will be immense for us next season if he stays.
i don’t think any fans blame him for wanting to leave. the only people to blame in all this are barca, they want him but won’t pay what he is worth, so i said cesc and us have to pick up the pieces.
“he has never said that he wants a transfer right now”
not according to his father, who has three times publicly and firmly stated very clearly that Cesc had a conversation with AW soon after the end of the season in which he told the manager he wanted to leave this summer. Cesc has never ever denied anything his father said. The story also coincides exactly with what Ballague and Hunter reported.
Cesc asked to leave, period, that’s why and how this entire summer flap happened in the first place. Stop deluding yourself. It was CESC who started all of this weeks before the world cup when, while in Spain, he suddenly (out of the blue, in a press conference) alerted Barca and the world that he wanted his “future sorted before the world cup.” Why would he say such a thing when he was already under a long contract? It was when he came out with that statement out of the blue that Barca’s machinations went into overdrive, they responded to his clear signal that he’d decided it was time to return home. And that press conference happened BEFORE Ballague’s first report about Cesc’s conversation with AW.
Anyway, holic, yours is a decidedly sane post. We all just have to wait it out. I’m pretty resigned to losing him next summer and that this will be his last season with us, tho he does want to go now. I just can’t see Barca coming up with the money we’re asking and I can’t see Arsenal lowering their price.
He’s a professional, he loves the club and the manager, and the fans, he’ll play his heart out for us one more season, and then go.
I am, however, thoroughly fed up to here with Barca and their blatant, public disrespect toward Arsenal. I wish we would never ever deal with them again.
Cesc’s most recent comments: “I think now the less said about the subject much the better, because these things are worse for everyone when they come to light and people talk more about the matter. Right now we have to be very calm and what will be will be.”
Those are the comments of a player trying to be diplomatic about his real wishes.
Cesc is a battler in a team of so few. His passion and commitment to the cause have never been in question. I will always remember him for playing on with a broken leg and that reflected his desire for the game. I hope he stays if not it’s completely understandable. We will miss him big time.
I find it astonishing how people presume to know exactly what Cesc wants or thinks. Judge the man on what he says and does: no transfer request, no quotes explicitly stating a desire to leave and one very long contract.
In other news, Cesc has never had the proper vocal support of the crowd. If you visit the Emirates next year (not a given amongst the online Arsenal community) and he’s still there, for fuck’s sake sing his name and let him know how important he is…
Just on the shirt front, does anyone have any views about another one season wonder shirt from the club with a probable second one season shirt next year and then a third new one afterwards.
Much as I like the new home shirt I’m not impressed with how swiftly we are cycling through new home and away shirts.
not sure what you mean, he said publicly as did his father that he wanted to leave, EVERYONE knows he wants to leave. it is all about whether barca will pay the money needed to get him.
i am sure if he stays he will try but it is impossible to see him in the same light again.
personally i think he should leave and lets get back to the 4 4 2 which made us so successful, a couple of good wingers, RVP behind Chamach and two solid centre midfielders. our entire strategy last year was based on cesc and we looked so poorly defensively.
Fair point, Herbie, particularly when we waited two long years to get a proper Arsenal shirt back.
If they use the money wisely and win something the fans will cough up and forget it. If not they will still cough up and grizzle about it ๐
they don’t do anything with the money anyway!!!!
buying a top goalie not a soon to be 38 year old maybe a good place to start!!!!
we do everything on the cheap.
Great post `Holic, a very controversial topic who’s going to generate a lot of replies.
Barca got their loan secured today so I wouldn’t be too sure about them relenting. I actually hope they push even harder so as to piss off Arsene and Ivan and get us to complain officially to UEFA. I’d love it if Barca was landed a 2-year transfer ban just when Mourinho joins fake Madrid for another round of ridiculous spending.
Anonymarse, spot on, and my point in other words.
Having said that it is good to see people logically arguing points I can’t agree with. No problem with that. Just think about what I said about people applying their own values and beliefs to Cesc. That’s all I can ask.
we mustn’t let it drag on, either get rid of him in the next two weeks or flat out say no full stop. we can’t wait until aug 30 then he leaves and we are left in the crapper
dan,
Arshavin, Nasri, Rosicky, Wilshere.
Hell of a crapper!
don’t want to get in to peeing match over our players, but come on get real, rosicky is finished, wilshire hasn’t yet started and neither Nasri or arshavin can do what fabregas does for us, as was shown at the end of last season. all i was saying is that if we need to replace him we need to get on it asap.
‘Holic, funnily enough, I was flicking through the channels on the tv this afternoon and stumbled across a re-run of that game v Barca and Cesc’s final minutes were an absolute joy to see and I can certainly see why Barca want their forgotten son back.
I might be clutching at straws here, but I still hope Cesc will remain a Gunner. Arsenal won’t be going under if he goes but the season certainly won’t be one long garden party, that top-four spot might melt away like sugar mice in the rain.
But Cesc is an intelligent man. He knows, you know, I know, and many a Holloway girl knows, that Barcelona may well be on a very slippery downward slope if their money continue to disappear into the space around the stars. Their balance sheet could start to look like the script for a jester’s tear; their economy could become completely fugazi. But Barca say that Cesc has had a misplaced childhood and expect Arsenal to sell him for a white feather but still find themselves just staring up the cathedral wall for an answer.
I’ll have a White Russian, please Mr Barman!
My point, not expressed well enough, dan, is that there are few players in the world who could give us what Fabregas does. In Arshavin and Nasri we have two of the ‘next-best’ options.
Given a run and the freedom of expression allowed Fabregas I reckon any of those four could do a heck of a job for us, but accept we have to build around one. It is not a role to be shared amongst Jacks of all trades…
i agree he is very unique which is why i think if he leaves they should change their style and go back to 4 4 2. arshavin doesn’t have the engine for what cesc does and nasri who you most likely thought could play that role really didn’t perform (not all his fault obviously) well in that role after cesc got injured last year. personally i think ramsey is class and could do that sort of role but knows when he is back, what shape he will be in and and he also needs a few more seasons under his belt. i think we should get Cole as he has potential there as well.
Cut the crap, please: sooner or later, Cesc will be back where he belongs.
God you’re naive Holic, all these years watching football and still so naive. I don’t think you understand the principle of a happy and committed footballer. It’s so blindingly obvious that Fabregas wants to leave, now – and whether he does leave or not is immaterial, because that very desire will inevitably result in a lowering of performance and commitment – even 5% and it will show.
Haven’t you ever had a job you wanted to leave? The day your mind is made up, in a hundred ways your performance is not the same – and perhaps even subconciously you WANT people to know it, and therefore a lowering of standards is inevitable.
You’re also a hypocrite, suggesting other people are wrong to apply their values and beliefs to Fabregas, because that’s exactly what you’re doing by suggesting he will be the same player if he’s forced to stay.
Lars, you sound like a FISH out water.
No more Chelsea Sundays please
He’s burnt no bridges in my book. Always applied himself here and I’ve no reason to believe that’ll be different. He’s a mature respectful young man. A man of honour. I think the hurt of missing out with Arsenal could be a greater factor than the pull of Barcelona. He’ll look at it and see whether we can strengthen and win something next term. If we miss out by 10 points again then Wenger may feel obliged and that would probably be fair. It’s up to Arsene Wenger now, we have the cash to be champions we must get the players we need and make it happen.
James, yes. The job I wanted to leave meant I had to sit in an office with no windows, being paid less than the average wage thumping keys on a beaten up old pc, and putting right the same old things day in and day out.
If you seriously think that Cesc is not seriously aware of just what he has at Arsenal, if you think he feels similarly to what I felt all those years ago, then I would suggest most will judge you to be in the wrong on this one.
If you will not try to understand what I argue, and instead decry me as a hypocrite, then fair enough. I have no divine right to be right and will not abuse you for holding a different view.
corny, don’t think anyone has bad feelings towards him and yes it is incumbent upon wenger and the club to show that arsenal can be champions of england and europe and at the moment even the most red tinted glasses fans can see that is not the case.
even this summer when we seem to have some money we are bargain basement hunting again.
…and hello Corny.
Are we close to relaunch?
Nice to see intelligent people discussing this (finally!)
Ermm, what do you make of this?
http://arsenalaction.com/2010/07/14/video-cesc-laughs-as-gerard-pique-spits-on-a-72-year-old-scum/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=video-cesc-laughs-as-gerard-pique-spits-on-a-72-year-old-scum
Unbelievable isn’t the word!
@dan: you’re so funny. One article after another how Liverpool is in death spiral, how Barca won’t be able to afford Cecs even after their emergency loan, how United are bled dry by their owners and you come here whining we are spending smartly.
And even if that doesn’t fit your dooming and moaning worldview, ti’s time you realize most arsenal fans think we can be champions of either/both England and Europe rather sooner than later so please cut the dooming propaganda.
Let’s start a rumour!
Guardiola has just signed a one-year extension to his contract. Wenger’s contract is also up next summer. Coincidence?
Guardiola is Cesc’s boyhood hero.
Arsenal is the only major team who play the Barcelona way.
Next summer Guardiola will become Arsene’s successor.
Cesc had the best conversation of his life with Arsene just before the World Cup.
Cesc will stay with the Gunners.
I do understand where you’re coming from Holic, it’s just I can’t agree. If anything I think you’re implanting your values on Fabregas – Cesc has played football all his life and players get used to playing in front of big crowds at big stadiums very quickly – they adapt very quickly to that lifestyle. And they are also paid such huge amounts of money they don’t really have a lot to lose if they make a mistake – they’re not under the same pressure as you might have been being out of work.
So, yes, I think footballers do get very blase about their circumstances, and they can and do lose motivation – even being at a club as big and famous as Arsenal, especially when the lure is Barcelona. I mean, I hate to admit it, but Arsenal are not in THAT league – it’s pretty much the pinnacle. As I said, In a league where you have to be 100% per cent committed, week in week out, Cesc would only have to lower his standards 5-10% and he simply wouldn’t be the same player.
80s, even Mondays ๐
exactly what needed to be said holic
@James: Cesc is an amazing competitor, he would react straight away if his performances landed him on the bench.
Before all this comes into consideration we have to remember his post-Euro season which was poor and hope he will recover better this time around.
Matt,
We are no where near winning either, that isn’t being a pessimist just reality. As are liverpool I may add.
James, but it could also be like this:
You are very happy at your current job, and you are being very well paid. Your paycheck arrives on time every month, and you have co-workers that you like a lot.
There is another job with a competing company that sounds even better, you’ll do basically the same job but with your teenage friends.
However, your new employer are in a situation where they can’t guarantee that they’ll have a computer for you to work at and the paycheck may or may not arrive when it’s supposed to. It turns out that you can move, but not for the next 12 months.
Now, is it still so certain that you wouldn’t do as good a job as ever in your current job? I know I wouldn’t have any problems doing that – especially if you knew that doing a good job now might put you in a better position for promotion at your next job.
Matt: don’t forget, though, that his post-Euro season came on the back of having played virtually non-stop for five or six seasons. He hadn’t had a summer off for years because of various international tournaments, whereas now he had a forced break before the WC.
Maybe Lars, but then look at the evidence – Henry, Vieira, weren’t the same once they’d lost their motivation. And a player can also resent not being allowed to leave, he might think it’s his one and only chance and he has to take it. Circumstances change after all, Cesc might break his leg for Arsenal and Barcelona won’t want him – in fact it wouldn’t surprise me if that element of the English game is part of his decision to quit, it was true for Hleb.
James, I’m sure the irony of that is not lost on you.
He broke his leg, or rather Carlos Puyol did it for him ๐
James, you may well be right, I am just suggesting other possibilities and trying to lift people’s spirits a bit ๐
Having said that, I don’t really agree about motivation being a factor for Vieira and Henry. Henry was injured for most of his last season with us – yet he managed to score 10 league goals in 17 games and in several of these games he was quite clearly hampered by his back problems. Vieira was, I think, simply starting to fade and, if I remember correctly, also struggled with injuries althoug to a lesser extent than Henry did.
@Lars the analogy king: It’s unclear how players’ motivation for club silverware remains intact after an EC or WC win.
Evening Holic/s
Many good points on both sides of the arguement, I of course hope he stays, if not, then thanks for the memories and good luck to him.
Gentleman, players come and players go, some great, some genius, some best forgotten, one constant remains, we are the mighty Arsenal and we shall march on regardless.
It’s always good to be a gooner!
Cider please guv’
Cheers.
da new home shirt is sweet,i might get a long sleeve this year wit eboue on the back!
Cesc essentially made the difference for these bastards, because they were crap until the 87th minute, and they thank him by insulting his club.
There is no one associated with Barcelona — not even Johan Cruijff, who I once admired above nearly everybody in this sport — who I can respect. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go buy a New York Red Bulls jersey with the Number 14 on it. Thierry Henry should be coming out of the decontamination chamber right about now!
great post olic, the 3 week break has done wonders for your creariveness
Matt, that sure is unclear. Even I am at a loss to come up with an analogy here ๐
Ah, you’re back in action again, good man. Where’s the jacks ?
Hey xyzzy. I know you are only here because the other bar is shut!
Across the valley from TGC xyzzy
Really good post Holic. Balanced as usual. A breath of calm amid a raging sea of nonsense.
To add to the nonsense –
As far as I am concerned this is now a test of our Board / Club versus theirs. In particular (given Arseneโs lead) Gazidis, Friar, Kroenke and Fiszman should be well enough versed in the cesc pit of transfer bartering to be a match for any bluster that comes from that Spanish lot. That is โ say nothing – let them continue to run around like crazed turkeys (bleating Cesc! Cesc! Where art though Cesc!) in a vacuum of nothing coming back from us – and quietly (without saying diddly squat) go get two world class players and parade them with a badge kissing Cesc prior to the Emirates Cup.
I really do feel they are under estimating us and I hope we give them a really bloody nose.
(And hurry up Filipe Melo).
Ah, you know me so well, but I do care really.
And feck off ‘every little helps’ ๐
‘Holic, the post hits it right on the head for me.
I know you’ve been as consistent as Cesc himself on this issue since it first broke far too many weeks ago.
In my book, the lad could not have given one extra ounce for Arsenal.
He has never spoken one bad word about anyone, or anything, at the club, and you can say with 100% certainty that there will be no dirty washing if and when he leaves.
If and when he goes, he will go with the same dignity and respect with which he has always spoken of Arsenal Football Club.
If and when that time comes, he should go with the unqualified best wishes of every single one of us.
Cheers.
The valley, I remember it like it was last year. NYTOL
Footballer contracts are no different, in principle, to any other mutually agreed contract between two parties. Cesc’s demands for higher wages came at the cost of a longer-term contract with Arsenal. Which he agreed to. Now both parties have to agree to terminate the contract, short of Cesc formally requesting a transfer. Those higher wages mean less leverage for Cesc in exiting Arsenal.
The belief seems to be that the player has all the power in these transactions. If he demands to leave, he will. Not true. Obviously, a club can decline to have a player leave. The fear is that the player can, consequently, choose to under-perform,. That however, comes at a cost as it reduces the future market attractiveness of the player. Pride of performance is a factor as well. In addition, there is no guarantee a player only transfers to the club they most desire. Other bidders may provide more attractive alternatives to the club holding the contract.
The difference in Cesc’s situation is that he wants to leave only for Barcelona. That substantially reduces the power of Arsenal to obtain market value for Cesc’s contract as there is no other credible bidder to push the price up. Hence Barcelona’s continuing attempts to try and put pressure from various channels on Arsenal. At one level its the smart, but ugly, thing to do. The only option for Arsenal is to dig their heels in. Hopefully Cesc recognizes that Arsenal will allow him to leave, but under the right terms.
I think Cesc will stay for now. Barcelona may generally be financially robust, but their cash flow issues are far from trivial. If nothing else, it will impact the timing of major decisions for them. And Cesc is a major decision. The bigger near-term issue then will be whether Cesc holds on to his captaincy. Neither keeping him captain, not stripping him of that role seem attractive for team morale.
Having read the views of others it is quite clear that I am in the minority. I for one am totally pissed off with Cesc and the way this has been conducted. How people can honestly think that Cesc has never asked to leave is completely beyond me. I agree totally with the way Marcus puts it @14. The one and only reason this is an issue today is because Cesc has asked to leave. He has handled the situation so far with great maturity. Now why is that? Is that because he has so much respect for the club and fans etc? Or would it have something to do with the fact that he holds no aces in these negotiations and the last thing he would want to do is to upset those that do? The one stumbling block in the whole saga is that Barca thought they could bully us and for once we have shown some balls and stood up for ourselves.
Cesc Fabregas was made at Arsenal. I firmly believe he would not he half the player he is now if he had stayed at Barca. He would have struggled to get a game and would probably be at some Spanish mid table side now. Both the club and the manager have shown tremendous faith in him and his ability. One of the reasons Vieira was sold was to enhance his development. He signed an 8 year contract. Am I the only one left who actually thinks that should still stand for something? What happens if he spends most of that time injured or he has an alarming loss of form? We can’t just turn round and say tough, we are not paying you anymore. My opinion is that Cesc still owes us. I do not buy all of this I want to go home rubbish either. If that was the case he would never have signed a contract that keeps him here for so long?
The way Barca have behaved is an utter disgrace. So this being the case you also have to ask the question as to why the club have not reported Barca? My only guess is that both clubs know the price at which a deal will be struck.
So where does that leave us now? My opinion is that this needs to reach closure in no less than 2 weeks. We need to issue a public statement saying that Cesc Fabregas is not for sale at any price and that any further tapping up via the media will result in an official complaint being made. The longer this drags on then the worse it is for us. I hear what you say about who can fill the void if he leaves holic but the truth is that any cash he gets will need to be reinvested wisely.
If Cesc does stay next season then I would take the arm band off of him. I do not feel comfortable in someone who has so openly tried to engineer a move away leading our side. That for me is the greatest disappointment of it all. I have taken great joy in watching Cesc develop into the player he is now. I thought he had the makings of an excellent captain.
One final point. @16 Anonymarse. Where on earth do you get that Cesc’s name is not sung at home games????? I have never heard such rubbish. I am a season ticket holder and struggle to think of any player that has his name sung louder and on more regular occasions. No idea where you get that from.
So who knows what the future holds? Whatever it is it needs to be done and dusted sooner rather than later.
Ale please. Lots of it……
Spot on as usual Holic:
I have always said to anyone that would listen “The Fab Man will eventually want to go home” as any right thinking person would have, if only to themselves?
& throughout this constant barrage of media hype on his supposed move HOME, I can’t see anything said directly by him JUST OPINIONS as far as I can see, or @ worse people around him talking out of school? But we all knew his love for his country “Catalonia” so this would have always been constant to anyone close to him again anyway so it only needs a little bit of gutter press to fish that out.
Until I see Cese sit-down in front of a camera & say he wants a move away from “The ARS” Iโm sticking to my belief that he will still be with us THIS coming season, unless of course Barcelona make us an offer we can’t refuse. The thing is our new “offer we can’t refuse” boundary has just risen it seems above Barcelonaโs ability to pay IT.
However in saying all that we should let the boy go if he’s not happy with his situation anymore, my problem is just one, the right market value for a player we don’t wont or need to sell Barcelona, Barcelona HAVE to pay through the nose for him or we will look like cxxts, sorry this being more important then Ceseโs happiness as far as Iโm concerned!!!
@caveat emptor
I think any advantage gained by Barca by being the only one interested in buying Cesc is offset by two things:
1) Arsenal has no interest in selling. The player is worth far more to us than anything Barca is willing to pay.
2) Barca have been complete jerks through the whole saga. I’m sure that has done nothing more than strengthen our resolve not to sell.
my 1st ever post after years of lurking.
I inherenlyl trust cesc to behave with class here, as he is clearly a classy player and a classy guy.
It’s situations like this that make you realise just how piss in the wind and jingoistic the majority of footie blogs are.
Keep blogging with conviciotn and a true heart of arse.
I think it’ll be an old-fashioned for me
@Steve T: Arsenal have told Cesc Fabregas he must return to pre-season training at the start of next month and I agree that if the uncertainty is subsiding by then the armband should be given to someone else. If he comes back and does as told I’ll leave it to the club hierarchy to decide what’s best for the club.
And it’s nice you mention how well the club handled the Barca affair, it’s hard to think how better they could have done, at least for now.
@Lars: I’ve been too terse I’m afraid. I meant that I have tracked the players from the winning WC or EC teams and more often than not they do have a disappointing season at club level in the following season. Unfortunately for all this discussion about Cesc’s resolve this season, it may be that wherever he plays his motivation will fall a bit short.
Off topic a bit (cause seriously I’ve been talking about this way too much)…
Do you guys really want Felipe Melo in the squad? I’m not too sure squad harmony will be o.k if he does come here… I mean, he’d expect to start, and if I were AW I would NEVER give him a place in the first 11 before Song. I also prefer Diaby in midfield ahead of him…
Bringing him as a sub will cause a lot of fires…
A lot has been said about Cesc-gate. Some I agree with and some I don’t. All I’d like to says is that the lad is still our captain and for me, he’s done enough for Arsenal to deserve my respect no matter how his situation is reported.
So, if he stays, I will welcome him with open arms. If he goes to anywhere else but Barca (unlikely) then I will wish him well and if he goes to Barca, then I will wish him well and wish Barca FC relegation, financial ruin, tapping up of all their players by Real, plague amongst the board and players only, a swarm of swine-flu carriying locusts (if possible) and scandals of the John Terry kind in no particular order. Cesc of course will be spared.
I really think that the effect of Ramsey’s broken leg, the third such ‘accident’ Fabregas witnessed in 3 years, cannot be underestimated.
Hey Fellow Gooner’s
Listen, Cesc might be our best player, talisman and World Cup winning hero. BUT if he wants to go, I would love to see him leave asap. I like him, but no player is bigger than the club we all love. Think of our previous squads. Bergkamp, Pires, Viera, even Henry were never doing to us what cesc is.
Ppl are making a god out of him. It makes me sick!
The main question we should ask ourselves is- Are we more dedicated as Gunners than our players. In this case I really think its obvious. And that is really bad cause we not even being paid to be Gunners/Gooners….
I’m one of a few fans who were content with us coming third last season. Its was progress from the ’09 season. We will win the league again soon with Fab or not. Those Barca cheapskates better just pay our 50mil and the deal should be done.
GUNNERS4LIFE
Whether Cesc returns or is one question – another is:
Who out there who could possibly replace him if sold?
Obviously, having watched Cesc make impossible passes and score impossible goals plus his consistency – 19 goals, 19 assists in an injury-hit 2009/10 – he’s like no other player.
But whether it’s next year, or the year after that, or whenever …
WHO?
Or do you think, like me, we’d have to play with strengths in different places.
Holic- no one would be happier than me if Cesc decided he wanted to stay at Arsenal this year. If he has had a change of heart and wants to stay for another year than that is fantastic- and I cannot think that any goonerv will hold anything against him- because he is a great player and a decent kid- but lets not count our chickens too soon- big Foxy Barcelona are still on the loose and there is no doubt that if Cesc could go there
However, Cesc has made it very clear to his family, his teammates, to Barca’s jounalists and allegedly also his agent that he wants to move to Barcelona now. We cannot all go into denial about this and try to spin it away and pretend he doesnt want to go because Arsenal are not willing to sell their best player on a long term contract for a knockdown price.
I’m looking for the denial in that piece, Gerry, and it isn’t there old son. All possibilities are there in black and white.
Wonder when LeMoan will slag him off again?
@Matt: I see what you mean about lack of motivation after winning a WC/EC and you most definitely do have a point. And the thing is, if Cesc stays then he’ll have to be at least twice as good as he was last season or people will start to get on his back (unless, of course, the team as a whole performs better than last season).
Order shirts you say? I only come here to drink Guinness frappes and Guinness floats ๐
Our wee one is now singing Ooo to be. Look for a vid to chuckle too.
I was there the night before last, Boston. She is going to be a heartbreaker ๐
Did Anybody follow the Spanish world cup Matches till the Final Match? Cesc Fabregas started ALL the matches from the bench including the Final (of course where he provided that World cup Winning Goal Assist, he could have had one for himself too, Remember?) Notwithstanding, the Spanish Coach prefered Andreas Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio(all BARCELONA players) to Start all 7 matches ahead of our dear Cesc! This i believe would have served as a great Lesson to him, because he would most definately find himself in similar circumstances in Nou-Camp, although Pep might have different tactics unlike the Spanish Coach, i dont just see Cesc Favored ahead of Xavi and Iniesta(The real world cup winning Hero), Especially with the inclusion of another regular, Keita! WHY WOULD CESC LEAVE ARSENAL AS A CAPTIAN OF THE TEAM, AND THE MOST PRIZED JEWEL WE HAVE, AND GO SIT ON THE BARCELONA BENCH, Only to be Loaned out after some time, like Hleb to Stugart? IN MY OWN OPINION CESC WOULD REMAIN A GUNNER, UNTIL OF COURSE, XAVI AND INIESTA START TO LOSE IT, AND WOULD BE FAVOURED IN BARCELONA! Dats the time i believe he will leave, it may be next Season, or even in 2 seasons! QUOTE ME SOMEDAY PEOPLE, REMEMBER THIS POST!
A voice of sanity in a sea of blogosphere madness. Nobody knows what’s going on in Cesc’s head. They seem to forget he is actually a very mature and intelligent young man who fully appreciates everything that Arsene Wenger has done for him. I have no doubt that should he spend another season at Arsenal he will give it everything he has got, heart and soul, to make sure he leaves with a Winners medal of some sort. He’s not the type of player that can play half hearted, it is all or nothing.
So all those people who think that if he is “forced” to stay another season he will only give 50%, have forgotten all they have learned about him since the first time he put on an Arsenal shirt.
In a kind of related way – let’s assume for the sake of argument that we are without Cesc -do you guys see Jack making the break through this season? Or any of the other likely lads – Lansbury, Barazite?
PV4 had to leave for FAB4 to fully flourish….
@Catalan: No he is too young. The best we can expect is the same success Rambo had before breaking his leg, meaning good but not a game-changer yet.
Thant being said I believe Nasri will take over when needed. He had a better first seaosn than both Pires and Hleb, probably would have had a terrific second season if he had not been injured for 6 months.
@ Matt. I’d take that (topical). If Jack can emulate Rambo’s last season, other than carelessly losing parts of his body I’d be happy.
As for Rambo (who I believe is still destined for greatness), anyone got up to date news on when he is likely to return?
I truly hope he can move on from the injury / assault.
I’m with Steve T.
Ultimately, we shouldn’t keep a player that doesn’t want to be here, we just need to ensure that we get our valuation.
Barcelona have treated Arsenal with contempt in this whole fiasco – Fabregas kicked it off, by insisting that “he wanted his future sorted out” before the World Cup, despite the substantial contract he had been happy to sign as recently as what, 18 months ago?
I gave up breaking my heart over players leaving a long time ago – the Club goes on forever.
Barcelona on the other hand……..well here’s to the Spanish recession.
A pint of……. bitter. ๐ ‘Holic please.
easy on that recession idea Zico!
Sorry Catalan, collateral damage and all that ๐
Worst comes to worst, I’ll stand you a beer at the Emirates!
Snir @68.
I do. I have seen the last two seasons come to a tame end because of what I can only regard as a lack of a genuine fighting spirit. I like Dennilson, Diarby and Nazri – but they are not the warriors we need to take on the biggest games. They are good in a well oiled system – but I have not seen them take games by the scruff of the neck. Yet.
Melo is technically very competent – his passing range is impressive. He works hard and most importantly for me – he has a bit of an attitude and steps up to the plate when it gets a bit heated. I actually think Song and he would make a great two at the base of a three with ideally Cesc in front. He might be a bit of a liability but hell – we have enough good guys to balance that out.
I also think that it would do no harm to polarise things a bit. Some of the lads need to realise they must step up to the plate themselves or lose out in the long term.
I am not a bleater – I actually think as a club we have most things right and the host of talent that is coming through is really exciting. But we need to harden our attitude and for me Filipe Melo is one of the best options out there.
Could not agree more KingsVeryCross:
Thatโs a position we need to take control of this coming season we already have all the fancy Dan footballers I can stomach in the squad, with more then a couple of theses NOT convincing me YET they can cut it @ this level.
With that said we also have a couple of home-grown coming through that could also do the job in a year or so, just not sure this year will be their time, thatโs why we need to buy in that speciality position.
Holic, sorry for double posting this… But I have to.
Is their any chance to start a petition to hand the board stating the fansโ will to report Barcelona to Uefa/Fifa?
Iโm asking cause I donโt know how petitions are taken at the Emirates and if the board even takes notice of fansโ petitions?
Seriously I canโt stand this anymore, I feel like I HAVE to do something to ease my rage.
Holic answered and said that there was an agreement in place for the big clubs and stuff not to report each other.
But the agreement has been ruthlessly VIOLATED!!! We need to do something about as a follow up to this piece by mirror football…
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Cesc-Fabregas-transfer-Arsenal-must-complain-to-FIFA-after-Sergio-Busquets-becomes-SEVENTH-Barcelona-player-to-tap-up-skipper-article527961.html
Something HAS to be done, if not from our club, let’s do it ourselves!!!
Can’t believe you are recommending a player who has had a disastrous world cup right after a disastrous season. Juve supporters can’t stand him, he keeps collecting red cards and makes basic mistakes game after game. The guy had one good season in his entire career and that was why Juve was conned into paying 25 mils for him. Why do you think they are so desperate to sell him?
There isn’t much to argue anyway as he will never play for us. Eastmond is already way ahead of Melo in all aspects of the game but for the physical maturity and we will see more of him this season.
KingsVeryCross – quite agree, and I’d like to see him here too.
The players who kick our kids and midgets up in the air are basically bullies.
Felipe Melo is certainly not afraid, or slow, to let their like “know that he is there”.
Let’s see how quick those bullies are to whack Theo, Ramsey, Fab etc. if they think that Felipe Melo is serving up the afters.
I think he would be exactly what we need, given that he also has the ability to play the pass and move game, to stop us being kicked all round the north-west quarter of the country.
Talking of which, did anyone else hear today that one native of the north-west has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the university of the town where he begen his career?
Unfortunately, i don’t know exactly which town that was, but the unlikely recipient was none other than Dr. Samuel Allardyce – I kid you not.
Gawd save us!
@Snir: You have to understand that in most cases those declarations are not spontaneous. The players are asked the question during an interview and they reply they would like to play with Cesc in various ways, who wouldn’t anyway? Arsenal and Barca are hugely popular clubs and the saga sells very well so the interviewers keep stirring up things.
Busquets also said it was unlikely to happen this season btw.
And he can say what he wants as he and the other Barca players aren’t breaking any rules by saying they want to play with Cesc when asked the question.
I too want the club to launch a formal complaint but not now. Let’s get the season started with Cesc back in training before we try to get Barca banned from transfer activity for a year or two. Revenge is a dish best served cold.
I feel it’s groundhog summer. Last year we absolutely had to buy Matuidi, this year it’s Melo. I wonder which reject will be hyped to death next summer.
Matt, there is no doubt that they did some tapping-up work on Cesc… I’m sure they did when he was rehabbing but Messi texting him, Guardiola meeting him in SA, Rosell meeting his family…
I mean, c’mon.. This is getting way out of line, although I take your view with revenge being best if we get them banned after Cesc starts the season.
But you gotta agree with me that if the club won’t do anything after the season starts, we HAVE to do something…We can’t be treated like that…
Matt – ref your Eastmond comment. Surely it is exactly the physical maturity that we lack.
Given that referees don’t seem to protect the players, who exactly do you think is going to dissuade the opposition from kicking us.
I think we do need an “enforcer” to break the notion that teams can kick us out of games, and I can’t see Craig Eastmond being able to do that, even though he may be a perfectly decent player.
If some of us are not allowed to mention Felipe Melo, what are your suggestions – or have four years of being roughed up not convinced you of the need?
@Trev: You are allowed to mention Melo as much as I have the right mock him (not you!) with the facts to back my mockery ๐
On the need for a DM: as far as I recall last season we kept on winning against the small kicking teams, it’s against the powerhouses we lost and imho we would have lost even more if Melo had been in the team.
On the other hand I hope we will not start the season with only Vermaelen, Djourou, Koss and Nordtveit/Bartley at the back.
I agree that we need a “hard man” in the team, we have never really replaced PV4, not sure if Melo is the right way to go though. Wasn’t he voted worst player in the Serie A not so long ago?
@ Matt
You are right it was against Chelsea (twice), United (second game) and Barcelona (twice) and the capitulation at the end of the season that really brought it home to me. In every one of those games we got over run because we did not play with the same intensity as the opposition.
I can not agree with you however that having a battler in their (like a Melo) would have been worse. We stood off all of those sides.
I will shut up now and try and think of something constructive to say. I am beginning to sound as if I should be doing this on Le Groan.
Its late – I will have a margarita to liven me up please barman.
has someone seen these stats on newsnow
http://arsenal-opinion.com/2010/07/15/the-reason-why-arsenal-must-keep-cesc-fabregas/?
Are these stats really true ๐ฎ ? I know he is that good but cant believe he has already contributed so much
@98, great stats. As I posted earlier on, we will Cesc big time. However, I can’t believe that prior to our 1st pre-season game tomorrow we still have not signed a Goalkeeper. Unbelievable.
@Bernard – with you 100% on that goalkeeper comment
Bernard, I’m with you.
And Schwarzer would not make me feel too much happier (assuming those rumours are true).
How is it that Wenger can find some of the best talent in outfield positions but cannot source a proper keeper?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1295261/Barcelona-reveal-mad-trying-sign-Arsenal-star-Cesc-Fabregas-wait-year-seal-deal.html
They give up apparently…
Cesc said this…
‘I have not spoken to anybody in the last few days and I want to ignore anything regarding my future for now.
‘I want to enjoy my holidays and I don’t want to talk about Barcelona at this moment.
‘I make no apologies for the comments I have made in the past. I have expressed my interest in returning and I stand by that, as that is my personal wish.’
Although I don’t like it… It doesn’t change from anything he said in the past…
It’s still the same, he loves Arsenal and playing for Arsenal but prefers/his wish/dream playing for Barca.
Kind of like the brunette vs blond analogy Lars put up the other day ๐
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_6262971,00.html
Just read El Mundo – had a fairly large piece on him… with lots of quotes along the lines of “everyone knows where I want to be”.
They also claim that Arsenal are now ready to listen as they don’t want a player who desires to leave.
The heading was “He’s already signed”. Which is interesting!
Massive propaganda of course…
Catalan, El Mundo is the last paper I’ll believe, it’s Barca’s paper so much that it’s amazing. Its just like reading things out of Barca’s website.
But it is weird that on the same day there are 2 different pieces completely on websites.
@Catalan – Do you mean this piece?
I don’t see any quotes (of course google translate isn’t perfect but couldn’t spot any quotation marks), all I see is the paper’s astonishment that there is progress and that Arsenal are willing to listen to offers cause they don’t want to keep a player who isn’t happy…
Well – We did keep players who weren’t happy at times (TH14, PV4 both loved Arsenal but weren’t “forced” to move, they agreed to move a year after they were courted and kept after the thought to leave crossed their mind).
I can’t really get it why there will be a piece stating we’ll listen to offers and ALL the other pieces from today state that Rosell will wait for next year.
http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gen/20100716/53964785856/noticia/el-arsenal-accede-a-escuchar-una-oferta-por-cesc.html
Latest form Sandro Rosell:
“Arsenal feels very hurt by Barca,” said Rosell to Catalan TV3.
“They don’t want to listen to offers or sell and they are not putting the player (Fabregas) on the market.
“There was a strong dispute a few months ago and they have not forgotten it.”
Source:
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6263136,00.html
I have had enough of Cesc’s I don’t want to talk about this and that, he’s certainly old enough and as many say classy and intelligent to make a statement. He clearly wants Wenger and Arsnenal to let him go and if he’s not 100% comiited to the Arsenal cause I would rather give Wilshire the opportunity to play and learn this season.
It’s clear he’s playing mind games too and I don’t like it one bit, not sure why but hey I think we can all say he’s one foot at Braca already.
No player should be given an armband for he wishes to leave or gives it away in this fashion.
โI make no apologies for the comments I have made in the past. I have expressed my interest in returning and I stand by that, as that is my personal wish.โ
This really says it all and to me his Captaincy should be either given to Van Persie or Vermalen.
Something refreshing please Barman! Lots of it…
Catalan, for some weird reason Cesc’s sister’s twitter account says “Buy El Mundo, Sport and Marca”, but apart from the piece that you mentioned in El Mundo, Sport and Marca are saying Arsenal don’t want to negotiate so I’m getting quite confused, please help ๐
Arthur, IMO these comments don’t change a thing, it’s exactly the same things he said over and over again, I’m not saying he should be captain or not, I’m just saying that if you thought BEFORE this piece that he shouldn’t be captain it’s o.k, this piece shouldn’t change anyone’s mind, if you guys think he should be captain, then he should be after this piece too and if not before this piece then cool…
This piece shouldn’t change people’s feelings toward Cesc cause it’s already been said, nothing new.
Hmmmm, quotes are getting misinterpreted…
Here are some that didn’t come out in the English press
Cesc: I’m an Arsenal player and the less said about Barca better.
In England: I think now the less said about the subject much the better, because these things are worse for everyone when they come to light and people talk more about the matter. Right now we have to be very calm and what will be will be.โ
“I do not regret anything I said because if I said it because I felt it, but I think that the fewer words out of mouth of all better”, said the Arsenal player.
World Wide press… โI make no apologies for the comments I have made in the past. I have expressed my interest in returning and I stand by that, as that is my personal wish.โ
Nothing about returning…
I’m not saying he didn’t say it, but things are different when not heard.
Snir,
I know where you coming from, however I believe a player who wishes to leave a club where he’s been given the armband and kissed his badge again and again throughout the season, then suddenly he has a change of heart, how can other players look up to him and say:
“Man look at Cesc, this guy is Arsenal through and thorugh we should follow his example.”
I would certainly not like to have a Captian in my team who would condcut himself the way Cesc did. There would be nothing there to follow.
I love Cesc don’t get me wrong but I think he’s old enough and clever enough to end this at least for one more season beacuse if he stays it will be for one more and that’s it. Come the start of the season I will cheer him on if he’s still with us no questions asked. However if he does go I won’t be happy with the way he, his mates and Barcelona went about it.
Good find Snir and to add I hope Arsneal won’t do any business with Braca again.
Arthur… To be honest… I really don’t think there is “Arsenal through and through” anymore, and if there is it will never be someone who isn’t English or brought up as English… Cesc is Barca through and through, he always was even when he was made captain and we accepted him that way so it shouldn’t change.
I not only hope we NEVER do business with Barca again, I want to wait till the season starts and have my (cold, as Matt said ๐ ) revenge and report them to Uefa, when I say report I mean us fans cause Arsenal will never do it apparently :/
@Snir Like you said – El Mundo is just a propaganda rag, but the hard copy had more quotes from him, which I reckon you’ve found now. It’s not good for my blood pressure reading it, just I had to rest my lunch time beer somewhere…
No real point trying to work it all out – in the words of the man himself; “que sera sera”. The Arsenal, and the fans, will still be here.
@holic – I know it’s impossible to ever change your team, but what’s the rules on your “second team”? Am I allowed to boycott them in favour of Espanol for a year? That’ll learn ’em.
@Arthur – Rossel does at least seem to talk a LITTLE more sense than Laporta, and seem a LITTLE more in touch with reality. So far.
@Trev. Have just seen a very interesting study of chiro and Lower limb soft-tissue injuries. For when the subject comes up again.
More importantly; ‘holic and all those heading to Underhill tomorrow; have a fantastic day, enjoy the game. And the beers. Talking of which… I’m off!
@Trev – here we go! Ah the season has begun. http://www.arsenalnews.co.uk/denilson-ruled-out-of-barnet-match-due-to-injury/link/47273/
Almunia & Fabianski in the Arsenal squad at Barnet & no other Goalkeeper named. Let’s not kid ourself, with these 2 clowns in Goal, you may have Pele & Maradona on your team & it wouldn’t matter. Let’s compare us & what we’re dealing with next season.
Man City have Hart & Given as Goalkeepers, in Defensive Midfield they have Ya Ya Toure, DeJong, Kompany, Vierra & Barry. Arsenal have 1 Def Midfielder, a very good 1 in Song but surely he needs help. How can we compete when our 2 new signings are from the French League & may need some time to adapt. We seem to fall further behind every year. I thought we had money this pre-season?