The Running Record

Update for the fans

RVP, by his own words, looks to be on his way out.

This is an update for the fans about my current situation. I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr. Gazidis and Mr. Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what’s really going on at the moment.

As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.

I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.

I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last 8 years. As soon as Mr. Gazidis is back from his 2-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments.

Robin van Persie

Euro 12: The picks and predictions

Spain have gotten the better of Germany in the past, can they do it again?

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It’s tournament time, which means it’s pick time, the time for predication that have the power to render someone a prophet, or (hopefully not) a fool. Most of all though, it’s fun, and we all like fun. So let’s have fun. Here are my official picks for Euro 12.

Golden Boot: Robin Van Persie

In my estimation, there are three legitimate candidates for this title, RVP, Ronaldo, and because of his goal scoring record at the international level, Miroslav Klose. Of the three, Van Persie seems to have the most advantageous team set up for him to score in bunches. While Ronaldo may, if not have to, try to do too much himself, and while Germany are capable from scoring all over the field. Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben seem destined to set up a scorching hot Van Persie to score in bunches at in Poland and Ukraine. If he stays healthy (yes, that’s still a question) I see him taking home the Golden Boot.

If you’re an Arsenal fan, you might want to follow this new blog.

Rvp4Mvp.Tumblr.com

He’s just made a (new) Tumblog, real creative (As you’ll see upon clicking), and it’s going to be all about the Gunners. Who doesn’t love a blog that has their favorite team being hyped?

So click away Rvp4Mvp.Tumblr.com

Robin Van Persie 59’ Arsenal 1 - Queens Park Rangers 0 Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images Europe

While the possibility has been floated about that Thierry Henry could be returning to Arsenal, news has come out that Arsenal have finally offered him a two-month loan deal. And while many people have debated whether the move would be worthwhile or not, this observer just has one question? What exactly is the downside? There is no transfer fee, the move is short term, and with Gervinho and Chamakh gone for just a month for the African Cup of Nations a long term knee-jerk reaction transfer signing may not be the best idea. Henry is pure Gunner royalty and presence in the squad will at the very galvanize the Emirates during a period that has not been the greatest of times for Arsenal. There are concerns that it will undermine some players in the squad, and perhaps stunt the growth of those who may be on the periphery of the first team, but having Henry in the squad does not have to equate to, let’s say, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain not getting opportunities, for example. Henry would simply provide another option for Arsene Wenger, albeit a legendary one, and if worst comes to worst, the man would be off to New York by March anyway. The move is low-risk, it would be great theater for the neutrals, and for gooners, well you can just check the Arsenal tag to see how ecstatic they’d be. All in all, having Henry back in North London would be great move a move for Arsenal. Plain and simple. What do you think about Henry’s potential return?

Return of the Champions

Europe’s premier club competition has reached its penultimate stage

With the end of the international break long behind us, and club football back in full action, we’ve gotten to welcome European fixtures back into are lives as Champions League action returned to the fore front once more and with much aplomb. The mid-week saw some of the more intriguing and drama filled affairs of the tournament, with surprise upsets, qualification races tightening, and crisis worsening all across the continent, making for the kinds of talking points that we as fans of the game jump to discuss. So as we look back to the week that was, here are the big takeaways from Matchday 5 in the UEFA Champions League.