Arsenal-Mania

Wenger: Flamini wanted to move for money

By Jonathan Chong on Monday, May 12, 2008

Manager Arsčne Wenger has hinted that Mathieu Flamini moved to Milan because of the cash on offer from the Italians, not because he wanted to move to a bigger club.

The Frenchman also seeked to reassure Arsenal fans by saying that the club have ready-made replacements available.

Wenger said: "What is a big club? Is it only down to trophies? This club here has a history of being built by people of values.

"I'm not sure that in the history of Milan you'll find the same values this club has.

"And, for me, that is a big club, a club that comes out of people's desire to respect values. Look at our whole history, it's clean.

"It is vital a club maintain those values we have.

"That is why at the head of the club you have a responsibility to keep these values and to make sure people who come after you can be proud.

"They may say this manager didn't win enough trophies but the club has kept its reputation for the whole history. That is vital.

"Flamini said he wanted to stay. If you say, 'No I want to go somewhere' that is OK. But you cannot say 'I want to stay but I go'.

"I wish him well. Let's go on and focus on what's important for this club and the players who want to stay.

"The guy is free, he can go to somebody who pays him more. I fight myself my whole life to get good wages for the players but it's not only that.

"I feel every player deserves good money when he becomes a top player but good money gives you the freedom to do what you want.

"Most of the time we bring in players nobody knows. They become big here and have a choice to make – do they stay or go. There is a decision for us to make as well.

"There are plenty here who can play for Flamini like Abou Diaby, Denilson, Gilberto and Alexandre Song.

"I worry as well – but we will have a team to compete for the championship next year."

User Comments

9

Ian Livingston

Posted on 14 May, 2008 at 12:43 AM - Reply

Never mind the money Flamini and co. should be paying Arsenal for the privilege of playing for such a great club

8

Aussie Fan

Posted on 13 May, 2008 at 04:20 AM - Reply

For me Song is the ready made replacement, although a Denilson/Fab Midfield is more Combatible but its too Light Weight!! Gilberto Staying can only help these young guys, and Flamini well at least he signed up Early!! Hleb if He chooses to go should, cause the feeling in amongst a team is infectious and one bad apple spoils the rest!! I Think that in saying it, Flamini was all talk, he always knew he was leaving, and after almost leaving last season who could blame him? Arsene has ready made replacements, and lets face it, Financially we are punching above our weight, we have no right to be where we are compared to some other sugar Daddy Run Clubs, but the precise buying and bargain buying, and astronomical selling has Kept Arsenal afloat albeit has given us some of the most satisfying triumphs of our time!! You look at Man U/cHELSEA lIVERPOOL, ALL teams who spent big, and to lead them for 6 months of the competition indicatres to me we are on the right track!! WE PROGRESSED ON FROM LAST SEASON Finishing 3RD Albeit 4 pOINTS from the top and were knocked out in the q/f'S by a team with a Salaray base 2/3RD ours and had to resort to favourable ref decisions to beat us!! so really is it all doom and gloom?

7

Kenada

Posted on 13 May, 2008 at 02:22 AM - Reply

Typically you guys miss the point. Wengers comments are about Flamini saying he wanted to stay but then goes. Then him making a comment about wanting to win and us not winning this season being the factor. When really its about money! Milan havent won anything this season either as rightly pointed out by a lot of you.
Thats the main point. He isnt asking for loyalty of Flamini since he was out of contract he is free to go where ever he likes, but he didnt need to give the double message.
That said we did get him on a free under similar circumstances so what comes around goes around.

6

Adjie Dennis Wonderland

Posted on 13 May, 2008 at 01:29 AM - Reply

Flamoney can go. He forgot who he was when he came from Marseille. AW had share for making him like now.

5

Maltho

Posted on 12 May, 2008 at 01:08 PM - Reply

I say they are in on it.

4

Gunner rocks

Posted on 12 May, 2008 at 12:24 PM - Reply

What you did say is very right to me. I pity them especially Gilberto and Lehman..

3

shile

Posted on 12 May, 2008 at 10:54 AM - Reply

None of those guys Arsene Wenger mentioned will fit in that role because Gilberto is tired already

2

hohoho

Posted on 12 May, 2008 at 09:36 AM - Reply

It's a bit unfair to flamini in the way what arsene comments. He want players to loyal to the club, but what Arsenal do to the players getting or over 30, renew contract annually isn't fair to players. Gilberto is a true loyal servant, but he would definitely be dumped away next season if Flamini still staying. AC respect to the senior players such as Maldini and Inzaghi. If i'm the players, i would choose AC instead of Arsenal.

1

G Parry

Posted on 12 May, 2008 at 09:25 AM - Reply

I was sad to see Flamini go, but I hope he enjoys the UAFA Cup next season having gone to a bigger club, I have been impressed with Song recently, he has been solid in an unfamiliar role, he has a good engine and his passing has improved,Im sure he will be given a chance to fill the void,we need goal scoring wide men and a strong centre half,job done, big challenge coming from us next term!