BARNET, here we come! And those loyal (daft) Gooners amongst us who are making their way to Underhill today will see a new player turning out for the rip-roaring Reds. Well, newish. For Her Majesty”s Press, in the form of the Current Bun, tells us that chap Tomas Rosicky will make his Arsenal comeback in the annual pre-season friendly after 18 months on the sidelines.
The redtop reports: “Rosicky, 28, has been restricted to just 61 games in three years after being out with a hamstring injury which then affected his knee tendons. The problems failed to disappear after surgery and there were fears over his long-term future. But Rosicky finally managed to regain full fitness at the end of last season and now hopes to get his career back on track.”
And Cesc Fabregas reckons it will be just like having a new signing, says the paper. He said: “I have spent a lot of time with him and know how he feels. I have never seen a guy so committed, so professional and never giving up. He’s the type of player you enjoy playing alongside and is amazing. Tomas didn’t deserve his injury but I am sure he will come back stronger. I wish him all the best. Everyone at Arsenal loves him a lot. He’s my best friend in the team and one of my best friends in life.
“He can bring many, many things to the side. He’s a guy with a lot of experience, has won things, knows how to compete, is very humble and works for the team. Technically he is one of the best in the world and physically I am sure he will be really strong. He has been working really hard and I cannot wait to see him playing again.”
So, what of that other player whose name dare not be repeated on arsenalinsider.com from now on? The Daily Mail tell us that Manchester City are furious with ******* ******** after the striker’s advisers attempted to engineer a move to Chelsea.
It adds: “There were indications yesterday that he was finally ready to agree a move to City and head up to Manchester for a medical. But the club were amazed to discover that the Togo forward has been touted to Chelsea as he continues to stall on a £25million move to Eastlands. ******** even met Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger yesterday over the possibility of staying at the Emirates for another season, but the Gunners are adamant they do not want him back and are keen to honour the deal agreed with City.”
Over at the Mirror, it’s reported as a done deal. “They chip in with: ******* ******** last night completed his £22million move to Manchester City – but remains locked in a battle with Arsenal over his £2m loyalty bonus. The Togo striker is adamant he is due the cash from the Gunners because he did not put in a transfer request. It is a demand that will leave Arsenal fans stunned as it was ******** apparent lack of commitment that soured their relationship with him.”
So, are you suitably stunned? Me neither.
The same tabloid, however, does bring us some encouraging news from that little Russian minx Andrey Arshavin, who tells the paper he is confident Arsenal can win the Champions League next season – even without ********.
It reports: The Gunners’ £15m Russian hitman said: “To win the Champions League means everything. We nearly did it last season, and I do not see big problems.
“******** is an excellent striker. Everybody knows him and he can score from nothing. But we have Arsene Wenger. He knows if we need someone, then he will buy.”
Nice one, Andrey. And may I personally thank you for making my trip to Anfield last season particularly enjoyable (although I was there the night we scored six in front of the Kop, too).
Come on you Gunners, as Maria might say.
*Any of you travelling Gooners out there who know of a really nice lad called Eugene who has been going home and away for yonks? Well, he ain’t so good and our prayers should be with him today at 3pm.