Flamini Wants to Erase Memories of 2006 UCL Loss
Mathieu Flamini says that the disappointment of losing the 2006 Champions League final with Arsenal made him return to the Emirates last summer.
The 29-year-old Frenchman left Arsenal in 2008 but came back earlier this summer after spending four year in Italy with AC Milan. He feels he has unfinished business in North London and wants to erase the painful memories of the past in his second spell under Arsene Wenger.
In an interview with Arsenal.com, he said: “That’s totally what I’m thinking. Of course I’ve got great memories here but I also have some regrets. Going to a Champions League Final, especially in Paris, and losing it is something you never forget. It’s something you keep in the back of your head and something you want to fight to forget. The only solution is to replace it maybe one day with a title or coming back to the final.
“I came back here because I really had the feeling that I had unfinished business with Arsenal. I’m here because I really want to win titles. I’m very motivated and I know this club’s ambitions are very high from everyone – players, management, the team and the fans. Now it’s in our hands.”
He then expressed his desire of finishing his playing career at the club, saying: “I’m really happy here, so why not? It’s a very important club for me. I really see myself here for a long time. In football, everything is possible.
“For now, I’m focused on the present and on the short term. With the short future, I’m talking about this season because we have big ambitions and we really want to do very well here.”
Julio Cesar Available for Free in January
Rumoured Arsenal target and Queens Park Rangers goalie Julio Cesar could be available for free in January.
The Gunners were on the verge of signing the veteran Brazilian last summer, and although a transfer fee of £2million had been agreed between the two clubs, the player’s lofty wage demands scuppered the deal.
But now QPR boss has come forward to reveal that they will waive their right to any transfer fee, if the 34-year-old wants to move on in January.
“He needs to play and I feel he’s a player who could play for any team in the world,” said Redknapp. “We won’t stand in his way. We’ll let him go for free.”
Draxler Confesses Love for Premier League
Schalke starlet Julian Draxler has dropped a major hint regarding his club future by confessing his admiration for the Barclays Premier League.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who is purportedly a transfer target for several PL outfits, told BBC: “I like English football. I like the Premier League of course – it’s one of the best leagues in the world. You have big clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea – of course it’s a big dream to play for one of them.
“I have my favourite team, but at the moment I’m at Schalke. I don’t want to talk about other clubs. If I state Arsenal or Manchester United, maybe I’d read it tomorrow in the newspapers.”
Arshavin Backs Arsenal for PL Title
Andrey Arshavin believes Arsenal FC finally have what it takes to win the Barclays Premier League this season.
The ex-Gunner left the Emirates on a free transfer at the end of last season, but he still follows the North London club. When asked what he thinks about his former club’s excellent start to the new season, he said: “Arsenal are playing much better than they have over the last two or three years.
“I was surprised that they won so comfortably against Liverpool, because they too are in excellent form right now. The signing of Ozil has brought stability to the side and now this season Arsenal have a real chance to finish in first place.”