Is he or isn't he?
*aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
Sorry. But I needed that. What the f**k is going on at my favourite football club?
Since May we've had to put up with continued rumours that Freddie Ljunberg might be leaving Arsenal.
In June Freddie said he wanted to stay a Gunner.
In July (this month!!!) Arsene Wenger said he expected Freddie to stay. I'd hoped foolishly that this seasons squad numbers being announced earlier might mean he was more likely to stay. In fact this is what the club said on their web site (accompanied by this rather cheeky photo of the Fredster) only last week:
Arsène Wenger believes the experience of Freddie Ljungberg will be important for Arsenal next season.
At 30, the Swedish midfielder is the longest-serving player in the first-team squad and the oldest outfielder bar Gilberto. During the summer he was linked with a move away from the Club he joined in September 1998. However, speaking after the weekend game with Barnet, Arsène Wenger said that Ljungberg was “90 per cent” certain to stay and he would be happy to keep him at Emirates Stadium.
After the 3-0 win over Genclerbirligi last night, the manager outlined why.
“Freddie is a winner,” said Wenger. “We have a very big squad, maybe not in numbers but in quality. We have many young players so the experienced ones have to show the way - not only footballistically but mentally - for a successful season.
“Last season Freddie had tremendous problems with his hamstrings so we will see how it goes this season. He will be part of the squad.”
Will be part of the squad. His words, not mine. So why four days later are we reading that Freddie has signed with London rivals West Ham? Especially after he said he wouldn't be joining a rival Premiership club?
*sigh* Okay so Freddie is my favourite player and I know there's a time when every player needs to leave but it just seems like all the names are going now and there's no one with experience to help the younger players to develop. But why if the boss says that there's a place for him are they letting him go? Okay his fitness wasn't great last season - but hey it was a shite season all round.
I can't see West Ham fans understanding a player that likes to model Calvin Kleins and who's best friend is a hairdresser *sigh* Freddie please come back!
The West Ham fans continue to show their ever educated side by saying on the BBC's 606 side that he's transferring because he fancies Craig Bellamy. Purlease. Freddie has taste ;-)
If the news of the imminent loss of Freddie wasn't enough, Arsenal announce the latest kit disaster (right) to follow the last one I wouldn't buy. Ahh well some more money saved.
UPDATE 14:07 It's official. He's left. I need a large vodka *sobs*