The big news yesterday was not much of a surprise. Despite Arsene Wenger saying he was 90% sure Freddie Ljungberg would stay, the Swedish midfielder joined West Ham for a fee that could reach £3.5m.
As the story broke Arsenal confirmed the transfer and Arsene Wenger paid Freddie a glowing tribute for everything he’s done for the club. At the press conference to announce his arrival at West Ham Freddie’s comments weren’t so glowing and were a bit of a shame, really, but then I got the feeling this wasn’t a move that Freddie would have made out of ambition, more out of a realisation that his chances at Arsenal next season were limited and he was no longer anywhere near a first choice player. It must sting a bit when you’ve been integral for so long but now they’re happy for you to leave and the club du jour is one that just about cheated relegation last season. However much you want to talk about parting shots and being ambitious, joining a club in West Ham’s position is not a step forward.
It’s good business overall, I think. We got good money for a guy who has spent the last two seasons struggling with form and injury and Freddie’s departure takes £70,000 a week off the pay roll, which is considerable. Freddie also gets to stay in London on a nice salary which I think will suit him down to the ground.
Now, leaving aside realism and pragmatism and talking from the heart, it hurts a bit to see Freddie leave. Who can forget his incredible debut when he chipped the ball over Schmeichel? That sending off at White Hart Lane where he went down the tunnel and kicked holes in doors? His incredible run of form in 2002 which coincided with the loss of Robert Pires. Freddie stepped up to the plate and he sent it out of the ground during that run in. It was just awesome to watch. That goal against Juventus. The goal against Liverpool with the 10 men. FA Cup clincher leaving John Terry flat on his arse. Lots of highlights.
Down the years he’s been a fierce competitor, a scrapper and he’s always given 100% even if he did end up on his arse looking for a free kick more often in recent times. He played with passion and the fans loved that about him. It’s a shame he’s been so plagued with niggly little injuries which have taken their toll down the years. Had he stayed relatively injury free he could probably have been even better at what he did and lasted longer doing it. You just can’t help thinking that Arsenal fans have seen the best of Freddie, no matter what Indian summer he might enjoy at Upson Park.
I’d suggest that despite the comments today (which hopefully won’t spark too much tabloid bollocks) he’s a player that will be remembered very fondly by Arsenal fans and so he should be. All the best, Freddie, except against us of course.
Now, with Freddie gone that leaves an already thin squad short another man. When José goes that’s two. Freddie’s sale surely has to plunge the manager back into the transfer market. I can’t believe we’d possibly let Freddie go without having a plan to replace him in the squad. I think the next week could be interesting.
The other main story of the day was Danny Fiszman’s statement about his position at the club. He called the speculation that he would sell his shares as ‘ill-informed’ and summed up by saying:
In short, I have no intention of selling my shares in Arsenal for the foreseeable future. There are exciting times ahead with the team showing so much promise, we are energised by what the future holds. I hope now that my position is absolutely clear.
I give it about two weeks before the first ‘And despite recent denials it’s believed Fiszman is willing to sell’ story. Despite the outside influences the current regime are doing their utmost to steady the ship and keep it that way and that can only be a good thing.
And that’s it from me for the time being. I’m off to to the city of Edu and Edu is making his way to London. Yes, I too am suspicious. Please don’t send email and stuff, I think it’ll be a mostly web free holiday, so I can’t possibly reply.
Tom will be here for the next week and he will smack you bitches down if you get out of hand. He promised he would. Have fun, amigos, talk soon.
