It’s a script that I’ve seen played out far too many times in my years as a devoted Arsenal supporter. The club’s most talented player is set to leave. Captain Robin van Persie announced that he would not sign a new contract with Arsenal, paving the way for the club to sell him this summer for approximately £20m+, or risk losing him on a free transfer if they decide to see out the final year of his contract.
It’s a move that, on one hand, breaks my heart, and on the other hand, further strengthens my love for Arsenal. Arsenal have long been known as fickle—not paying the borderline absurd wages that clubs such as Manchester City and Barcelona have been known to offer, not spending huge amounts of cash in the transfer window to bring in world-class talent, and opting to nurture and grow their youth squad in to formidable stars.
Sometimes it works out, others it does not. But the truth is, players come and go. In the end, it’s a business and players have their own ambitions. Some want to win trophies, some want to collect huge paychecks, and others (the very rare few) want to remain loyal to the club that they call home.
But the one thing that has never changed for me through all the drama, all the players leaving, the good seasons and the bad ones, is my love for Arsenal. Some might call it an obsession, some might call me insane, but the truth is that I can’t help myself. Waking up bleary-eyed and hung over at 7:15 a.m. to watch Arsenal play on a Sunday morning after getting home four hours earlier has never phased me. I became infatuated with Arsenal a long time ago, and never plan on letting go.
This season I’ll likely see a new Arsenal squad, with a new captain. Again. Hopefully they’ll challenge for the title, but regardless I’ll be awake at 7 a.m. thanks to Advil and Tums (shout out to Pat Hammer, who put me on to the almighty hang over cure) on a Sunday cheering on the mighty Gunners.
Come on Arsenal!
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