By Ian Grant
AC Milan v Juventus
What a pile of …….
If this was the pinnacle, what is the depths?
Read the articles about fantastic technique, about classic defending.
The average man in the street would ache for someone to score a goal in open play,… in the 90, …in extra-time,… if they hadn’t turned off beforehand.
Reminded me of the Arsenal v Leeds game, where the Championship was decided with a handball and offside goal from Leeds. Note Nesta’s foul in extra-time and Dida yards off his line for two or three penalties.
There is something rotten in the state of football, but the Emperor is wearing new clothes.
Meanwhile, some Arsenal news?
TRANSFERS/RUMOURS
Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Aderenle Yusuf, said: “There is a feeling that Kanu should join a smaller Premiership side, while ex-national team boss, Adegboyega Onigbinde, has asked Kanu to quit football for good, since he has made his mark.
Other clubs that have indicated interest include Ajax Amsterdam, Panathinaikos and Fernabache.
One paper says Giovanni van Bronckhorst is another on the not-wanted list, along with Ukrainian defender Oleg Luzhny.
Robert Pires is set to feature in a France 98 v PSG All Stars match.
Pires has been offered a new deal by Arsenal which will keep him at Highbury for the next three years. The French winger, 30, will get a pay rise of about £5,000 a week extra on his current £28,000-a-week and a lucrative image rights deal. Reports in the Star today say he wants MORE.
Patrick Vieira claims he “would love to stay” with Arsenal and is prepared to sign a four or five-year contract if he is happy with the deal offered to him. He said he would never play for Man U.
According to some papers, Arsenal striker Graham Barrett, 21, is joining Coventry City on a two-year deal after learning he has no future at Highbury. Coventry say this is premature.
The Birmingham Post says Steve Bruce wants to land Francis Jeffers for around £5m. Some papers say £3.5m.
Arsenal youth midfielder, David Noble has agreed terms with West Ham. He said: “It was frustrating at Arsenal because there was no real opportunity for the young talent.”
According to the Daily Star (and others), Arsenal have joined the race to sign Porto’s Deco, the naturalised Portugal midfield international. ANR had this story first – but journalists rarely credit fans.
The Star reckons Bayern Munich want Sylvain Wiltord for £5m. Valencia are said to be interested too.
Alex Ferguson is reported to be battling to beat Arsenal to land Monaco’s £5m keeper Flavio Roma.
Villa defender Olof Mellberg says he may be interested in a move to Arsenal: “It’s a big club – and one might be interested, hypothetically.”
David Seaman has already had offers from three Premiership clubs, including man City, Bob Wilson was reported as saying. The Sun says Hoddle is interested.
According to the Independent, Leeds United have started a £6m auction for keeper Paul Robinson, and Arsenal and Manchester United have been alerted and both are considering making offers.
PLAYERS
Gilberto Silva is part-sponsoring a team of homeless players to go round Brazil. The players will spend the weekend of June 7 in his home town, playing local sides.
The Times reports, the World Cup winner devoted nearly three hours to a training session for homeless players on an artificial pitch in Kennington Park, South London, less than 48 hours before the FA Cup Final. He also sang a Samba song and played the mandolin for them.
Thierry Henry flew to Texas to watch friend Tony Parker and the basketball team San Antonio Spurs play the Dallas Mavericks. He said: “I enjoy it over here, nobody recognises me.”
LEGAL
Arsenal have won its long-running trademark battle with street trader Matthew Reed. The Appeal Court found Mr Reed’s use of the Gunners logo on shirts, scarves and hats without permission cast doubt on the origin of “official” merchandise. Reed, an Arsenal fan, hopes to appeal to the Lords.
FINANCIAL
According to the Sunday Times, North Bank bond holders have saved up to £5000 on the value of season tickets. Meanwhile bonds, costing £1200-£1500 ten years ago, now are valued at £7500.
OLD BOYS
Argentine striker Fabian Caballero has revealed language problems cost him a shot at glory with Arsenal with fellow players unable to understand him.
MISCELLANEOUS
In defining hooliganism as a 19th century phenomenon, The Times said Arsenal, were among clubs temporarily closed because of crowd disorder.