By Myles Palmer
Today’s news : he is staying.
He says he will sign a new contract.
The most important footballer in London.
The best player in the Premiership.
The man that texters call PV4.
IT’S WHAT I EXPECTED.
I never thought the captain was leaving.
I always thought he would sign a new deal.
He deserves to be the highest-paid player at Arsenal.
Because he is half the team.
He is the most authoritative and most gifted player I’ve ever seen at Arsenal, or ever will see.
I’ve only really cared, deeply cared, about three footballers in my whole life.
Denis Law was the first.
Peter Osgood was the second.
And this guy is the third.
I WON’T CARE ABOUT A FOURTH IN THE FUTURE.
I’ve liked many, but cared about few.
I might like one more or two more.
Maybe I will respect a footballer in 2009 that none of us have seen yet.
Might even write a book about a player.
But three favourites is enough for a lifetime.
I won’t care deeply about another footballer again.
I’ve changed and football has changed.
I have other concerns now.
August 1st 2003