RIP Rocky + More bad news… 31 March, 2009
Posted by lasagnechef in Arsenal News.trackback
Today is the 8th anniversary of the tragic death of an Arsenal legend. On the 31st March 2001 David Rocastle lost his fight with cancer and died at the premature age of 33.
All that needs to be said about Rocky has been said, everyone knows that he was a special talent and we were lucky to be blessed with him. The word ‘legend’ is not used lightly.
He will never be forgotten, Gooners don’t forget. His name is sung loud and proud pretty much every single game and I’m sure he will be especially praised this weekend.
Rest in peace, Rocky.
Right so on to the news, and I’m afraid it’s another injury. If you had to put money on one of our players picking up a knock, who would it be? No, not Robin van Persie, we already know he’s injured. Yep you got it – Abou Diaby.
Once again, not sure how bad it’s going to be but he has withdrawn from the France squad and will miss tomorrow’s game. It’s such a shame, not only because he had a chance to play that match instead of the injured Jeremy Toulalan, but also he has been doing quite well for us recently and it’s all going to come to a halt.
What pisses me off is how close we were to a completely fully fit squad before this international break. Now we’re expecting Diaby, van Persie and Bendtner to all return broken. We do have Fabregas, Adebayor and Eduardo to come in for those three but that’s not the point. What do the international coaches do to our players to consistently ruin them?! We’ll hear how bad all three injuries are in the build up to the weekend, lets hope it’s nothing too bad.
Robin van Persie’s been talking about his new contract extension saying it’s not a case of money but trophies. He wants some sort of assurance that we are going forward and will add to the dusty trophey cabinet. You can’t blame him really; he should be allowed to make these sort of demands:
“I’m still in negotiations with Arsenal, and it’s going well – in a very positive atmosphere. There are further meetings planned. Financially Arsenal’s last offer is fine, but that isn’t everything for me. It’s about my ambitions and how they can be fulfilled.
The club and I want the same, and it’s our intention to achieve that. We have all the other factors in place – fantastic stadium, dedicated support and money in the bank. Now it’s about making that final push. In the last four years, I’ve only won one prize, the FA Cup – and that is too little. I want to push through to achieve more.
That is something I feel in my mind and my body. It’s difficult to explain, but I certainly feel I can play an important role in taking Arsenal to a higher level.
I believe the wild days are behind you when you reach 25. From this age on, you should be reaping the rewards of what you’ve learned. After seven years in professional football, I now have what I need to go further. I’ve heard and seen enough – it’s as if I’ve crossed a barrier. I see players between 25 and 30 having their best years.
In a certain sense, it feels like a voyage of discovery – and I feel I’m where I want to be as a footballer. This also applies to physical development. Now, I can play out matches a lot easier.”
He gets a bit mature and weird sounding towards the end but on the whole that is quite a positive interview. I don’t doubt that a deal will be sorted and I think he will agree that this team does look to be on the up from this dip. The only way that’s going to happen is if the big stars hang around until the little ones grow up. He says he thinks he “can play an important role in taking Arsenal to a higher level” so he must believe in the side.
I’m hoping his deal gets done soon; he’s a fantastic player and has shown this season how valuable he is to the side (when he stays fit).
Arsenal.com have reiterated RedAction’s Turn Wembley Red Campaign for the FA Cup Semi final. I will also be getting behind that one on the blog in the build up to the game. There’s also a cheeky link on Arsenal.com’s link there to the Arsenal Shop just incase you don’t have any red clothing…
That’s your lot today. I’ll leave you with this.
Is anybody up for putting together an online petition protesting against international games breaking up the club season? I think the vast majority of people would agree that it makes no sense, and all of the problems it causes would be solved by having continuous club (sept – may) and international seasons (june) that are played separately.
@Albert: That’s a good idea! Clubs shouldn’t bear the risk of losing their players for international duties, especially those “friendlies”.
@Albert: Absolutely agree. Surely the qualifying rounds for each competition (Euros/World Cup) could be played in the summer of the year before each one? They don’t really need to have 10 weeks off surely, they’re not at school any more. I’d sign it. I’d also go for a winter break but that’s for another day.
or 3 weeks in the winter and 4 weeks in the summer with no other breaks during the season. i cant help the national team either all this coming and going for 1 week here and there.
RIP Dave Rocastle. Absolute legend, and always played with a smile on his face.
What a player, and what a man.
endorsing the thoughts of scottpuffin how can we ever forget his quality and the smile,never forgotten no question an arsenal legend.
Yes indeed RIP Rocky