Jul 08 2008
Adebayor Turns Down Good Deals
photo: Weberberg
Adebayor turned down a pay raise to £3million a year from Arsenal today. Which is stupid, because he’s still under contract, and Arsenal don’t look as though they will be willing to sell him this summer. Despite interest from clubs like AC Milan and Barcelona, both offering in the region of £15million for the Togolese striker, Adebayor has no say in the decision. Because Arsenal need him, Adebayor has no chance of getting a transfer put in, despite his whining in the press.
Arsene Wenger doesn’t look to be interested in making the same mistake as last season, given the last star striker, Henry’s departure. The effect on the team was obvious, what with the way Arsenal ran out of steam mid-season. Not to mention the sluggish approach in front of goal, who would’ve thought the Gunners would look gun shy in front of goal?
In other news, despite James McFadden’s previous commitment to stay with Birmingham City, the Scottish international appears to be looking for a way out of the dishonor in having been relegated from the Premiership. Garnering attention from Scotland’s Celtic as well as Bolton, who are still alive in the Prem. I just thought the story was comedic, as McFadden had pledged his commitment to Birmingham’s return to Premiership glory campaign, only to switch a few weeks later when interest from bigger clubs loomed overhead.
Also today, Scolari isn’t an idiot, as the Brazilian Chelsea manager has confirmed his desire for Frank Lampard to remain in London with the blues. This story still has a lot to play out, but I would hope Chelsea are smart enough to not throw away one of the biggest stars to ever play for the organization. As like I’ve said before, Terry hasn’t been the same since his back injury late last year, you need a new English legend to carry the team to glory, and that man is Frank Lampard.
Every team needs an Englishman for the supporters to feel connected to, through bond of country. John Terry used to carry that enthusiasm for Chelsea, and now is unable, forcing Scolari to hopefully realize how important Lampard is for carrying the burden.
And finally today, Steve Sidwell looks set to forget his mistake of signing with Chelsea, and make a move to Aston Villa. Which will help his career, as helping Aston Villa hopefully achieve UEFA Cup football will be much better for his reputation, then sitting on the bench in London. Also this opens the door for Gareth Barry to leave, as Steve Sidwell is a much more capable mid-fielder anyway. So just sell Barry, and let him realize all his dreams won’t come true just by moving to Anfield.
