IT WILL BE interesting to see how Portsmouth use Lauren, and how many games he plays.
Like many people, I’m sorry to see Lauren sold without ever playing for Arsenal at the Emirates. I hope he plays there many times for Portsmouth. When he does appear he will be accorded a hugely affectionate reception by Arsenal fans.
Reliable, tough, a steady passer from defence, Lauren is a gentleman who played 241 games for Arsenal over six years. His professionalism and loyalty were exemplary. His penalties were cool and deadly. He played in teams packed with players who made headlines but he just got on with his job. He created no controversies.
He might just be the most consistent player Arsene Wenger has ever signed. He was one of the Invincibles. He won five trophies and nobody ever deserved to win five trophies more than he did. Two titles, three FA Cups.
He will be 30 on Friday and he has not played a first team game since his Carling semi injury against Wigan on January 21 2006.
Why has he been sold?
Because Arsene doesn’t think Lauren will ever be as good, as fit, as he was before his injury.
It’s either that, or the club need money urgently.
They sold Stokes and tried to sell Reyes and now they’ve sold Lauren.
Why would AFC need money urgently when the Emirates is packed for every game and generating millions?
Because Arsenal has become a property company that is re-developing Highbury into flats. Arsenal are doing that themselves.
And it looks as if they are spending current revenues on rebuilding Highbury and not on the team. In the summer of 2007 I predict that Arsenal will sign more kids, not experienced internationals.