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I’m afraid I’m not going to add anything new to this interminable, torturous debate today. However I’m mad as hell and I’m just not gonna take it anymore!
I’m sure the entire Gooner Nation is as comprehensively honked off as me with the constant self-righteous, self-regarding, self-serving pronouncements that seem to emerge daily from the Camp Nou boardroom and dressing room regarding Cesc Fàbregas. The latest volley comes from Barça skipper Carles Puyol.
As those who read my blogs regularly here at arsenalinsider.com will know, I’ve been a great admirer over the years of the institution that is FC Barcelona. That regard has been and is being sorely strained by l’affaire Cesc Fàbregas.
Let’s have this right. Fàbregas freely signed a greatly enhanced contract extension eighteen months ago. This wasn’t The Godfather. Luca Brasi wasn’t in on the talks. Nobody put a pistol to Cesc’s head and gave him the choice of his signature or his brains on the contract.
The sense of entitlement that lies behind the constant bleating as we’re holding Cesc “hostage” is just too much to bear. It is VERY important that we not be bullied into selling Cesc for a penny less than our minimum evaluation of his worth AND without a suitable replacement in the bag.
The player has responsibilities too. It’s fine for him to say what he would like in private. He also has to accept though that with the hugely lucrative new contract extension he signed comes responsibilities. He can’t reasonably expect to have his cake and eat it. He earns a salary which costs the club well over £6 million a season. That money comes out of the pockets of every Gooner who pays to get in to the Grove, buys a television subscription or a replica shirt.
Good luck to the bloke. I wish I had a skill I could sell for such riches. I do expect something back though. I’ve read various conspiracy theories that the constant stream of statements emanating from Catalonia is an orchestrated plot to drive a wedge between Cesc and the Gooner Nation. I feel the pain of those who advance these theories. I think though that it has far more to do with an institutional arrogance on the part of FC Barcelona. What Barça wants Barça is entitled to, is the mind-set.
I have a simple message:
F**K OFF!
I’m under no illusions. If we manage to hang on to Cesc, I suspect it will only be for one further season. I always thought as he emerged through the ranks at Arsenal that he would return home one day. I was hoping that wouldn’t be until he was 28-29. That’s fine. Here’s a plan mate. Have the courage of your convictions. Let your contract expire. Then you can do what you like and go where you like. You decided to sign the new contract extension you were offered. You’re now obliged to keep up your side of the bargain.
We’re all familiar with the one-way bet that player contracts represent in football these days. At some stage somebody has to make a stand. Those who know me know that I’m all for workers’ rights. I thought footballers were kept in a position of serfdom for far too long. I agree with freedom of contract. With the huge salaries that top players receive these days it isn’t asking too much too expect them to honour the agreements to which they freely assent however.
There has been talk that Barça is trying to push Cesc into making a formal transfer request to force the fee down. I can see how having a player openly demanding a move puts pressure on the selling club but we need to resist this. We’re entitled to be respected as a club.
The way I feel at the moment, I wouldn’t be tempted to sell Barcelona pooh in a paper bag.
Keep the faith!
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