Written by Basil James.
The fact that Eduardo da Silva has inked a three year contract with Shakhtar Donetsk is now a commonly known fact that even Sarah Palin probably knows the intricate details of the deal. Eduardo, who has scored 22 goals in 65 appearances for the Gunners was sold to the Ukrainian club for a little over £6 million. Good business for a striker who has been a pale shadow of himself after a horrific injury, one might say. Except for Arsene Wenger’s words a few days ago. “Eduardo is an Arsenal player and I am expecting a lot from him this season” was the exact sentence he uttered.
Wenger told a white faced lie to the club and its fans? Surely, it appears so. There is no way Wenger did not know of the deal when he made that statement. In fact, he went on to say:
“He had a terrible injury – he went through hell – but I think his work rate is fantastic and his determination, which is exceptional, will be of great use to Arsenal”.
He made this statements on July 13 or thereabouts, categorically stating that the Croatian forward would be a feature at the Emirates for the coming season. What is an average Gooner to infer from this? Only one thing- the dear manager has blatantly lied to us.
Eduardo’s utility to the club was decreasing by the day, ever since that grotesque angle injury he suffered. In that context, it makes perfect sense to let him go, to offer him a fresh start. But, if that had been the intention, why not say so from the start? Wenger has effectively cheated Arsenal supporters across the globe with his statements. Eduardo was reportedly involved in negotiations for a week, meaning Wenger probably knew of the proceedings when he made his statement and also had plenty of time to correct it.
In this light it is interesting to check other statements Wenger has made throughout this transfer window. As Barca continue their obscene efforts to lure Fabregas away, Wenger and the club has stated frequently that the captain in staying at the Grove. This puts a disquieting thought in the minds of Gooners. So, is Cesc staying? Or will he leave too, like Eduardo? Wenger has said many times that Fabregas would be donning the Arsenal colours this season, but then he said the same about Eduardo and look where we are now. Wenger has even said that Cesc will retain the captain’s armband. Is it just hogwash or is Wenger telling the truth?
Sandro Rosell apparently flew to London to push the Fabregas agenda for Barca, which comes on the back of NINE players from the Catalonian club saying Fabregas is coming to Barca. Platini, are you sleeping? It will be some time before we see the end of this, though it is inevitable that Cesc Fabregas would return to Barcelona. The more immediate concern is whether he will be at Arsenal for the coming season.
Arsene Wenger made a huge mistake by lying to Arsenal fans about the Eduardo situation and has lost the trust we Gooners had in the manager. Let us hope he can regain some confidence from the fans with some scintillating moves in the window and the season.
By Basil James – Contributor to www.Football-Talk.co.uk
