We’ll start with Ashley Cole and he’s been given the all-clear to play for England in the opening game of the World Cup despite picking up a knock during England’s game with Jamaica yesterday.
However, the Sunday Mirror is reporting that Arsenal are preparing an injunction against Cole as parts of his upcoming autobiography (heh) are so ‘explosive’ they want it toned down. I suppose the first thing you have to ask is why Ashley Cole thinks anyone would be interested in his ghost-written biography at the age of 25. He’s a very good footballer but he’s hardly much of a personality.
The fact that it contains less than complimentary things is not a surprise though. I was told recently that during his injury law-off Cole attended the Aston Villa game with his publishers and was, allegedly, rather scathing in his comments about the club and his team-mates, one of them in particular. I’ve also heard, from an unconfirmed source, that Mourinho’s interest in Roberto Carlos is pure smokescreen and that his real target is Cole. It makes more sense that he’d try and sign a 25 year old with lots of years ahead of him rather than a 33 year old whose best days are a couple of seasons behind him.
There’s no question that Cole’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, wants him out of Arsenal this summer and this ridiculous book could make it impossible for him to stay even if he wanted to. Which I’m not sure he does.
Sky Sports reported yesterday that French club Bastia confirmed that Arsenal have signed Alex Song and a fee of €4m has been mentioned. Firstly I really hope we didn’t spend that much money on a player who makes Gus Caesar look like Pele and secondly I hope that our ambitions in the transfer market are a lot higher than this.
Jens Lehmann says he feels like a 26 year old. Fried, boiled or scrambled, Jens? AC Milan say they tried to sign Thierry Henry. Erm, ok. Gary Pallister says Sven should pick Sol Campbell instead of Rio Ferdinand.
And that’s it. Sunday round-up over. I have to go this morning and eat pizza with Italians. Then I may drag my football weary carcass to the beach for a while. Have a good day.
