Xanshin
Active Member
Former Arsenal star David Seaman today rubbished reports that Patrick Vieira will join Real Madrid by declaring his heart belongs to Highbury.
Real have been strongly linked with a move for Vieira and it was reported yesterday that the France midfielder has already agreed personal terms with the Spanish giants.
Vieira’s agent Steve Kutner and Real Madrid’s director of sport Emilio Butragueno have denied the claims but the speculation refuses to go away, thanks largely to the player’s silence on the matter.
But Seaman, who enjoyed 13 years at Arsenal and made 564 appearances, believes the club captain will turn down a move to Madrid and look to realise his Champions League dream at Highbury
“This has been happening every summer for the last three or four years with stories appearing that Real are trying to buy Patrick,” he said.
“I can’t see him leaving – I don’t think it will happen. I’ve seen (manager) Arsène Wenger speak on the matter and that’s enough for me. If he tells people Patrick’s not leaving, then that’s the end of it.
“Patrick’s heart is at Highbury. He’s a footballer so it’s whatever happens, but he’s under contract and Wenger says he staying. For me that speaks volumes.”
Arsenal’s failure to give Wenger the cash to strengthen his squad with big names is one of the reasons cited for Vieira’s desire to leave north London.
But Seaman, who won three league titles with the Gunners, insists the lack of transfer funds will not hamper the club’s defence of their Premiership crown.
“Arsène did exactly the same last year, buying only Jens Lehmann over the summer. But they still went on to win the league so the lack of new faces is not a problem at all,” he said.
“Arsenal’s squad is getting better all the time because they’re growing in experience. There are lot of young players in the squad but they are getting to know each other’s game. That breeds confidence.”
Goalkeeper Lehmann drew heavy criticism last season when a couple of high profile blunders tarnished his reputation and prompted speculation that Wenger might have to resume his search for Seaman’s successor.
But the former England stopper, who backs Arsenal to defend their title, said: “Jens had a fantastic season. Any criticism came from silly people because Jens was great.
“He has won the league – what more can you ask for in your first year? Okay, he made a couple of mistakes in the Champions League but generally he was fantastic.”
Credit: breakingnews.ie
Real have been strongly linked with a move for Vieira and it was reported yesterday that the France midfielder has already agreed personal terms with the Spanish giants.
Vieira’s agent Steve Kutner and Real Madrid’s director of sport Emilio Butragueno have denied the claims but the speculation refuses to go away, thanks largely to the player’s silence on the matter.
But Seaman, who enjoyed 13 years at Arsenal and made 564 appearances, believes the club captain will turn down a move to Madrid and look to realise his Champions League dream at Highbury
“This has been happening every summer for the last three or four years with stories appearing that Real are trying to buy Patrick,” he said.
“I can’t see him leaving – I don’t think it will happen. I’ve seen (manager) Arsène Wenger speak on the matter and that’s enough for me. If he tells people Patrick’s not leaving, then that’s the end of it.
“Patrick’s heart is at Highbury. He’s a footballer so it’s whatever happens, but he’s under contract and Wenger says he staying. For me that speaks volumes.”
Arsenal’s failure to give Wenger the cash to strengthen his squad with big names is one of the reasons cited for Vieira’s desire to leave north London.
But Seaman, who won three league titles with the Gunners, insists the lack of transfer funds will not hamper the club’s defence of their Premiership crown.
“Arsène did exactly the same last year, buying only Jens Lehmann over the summer. But they still went on to win the league so the lack of new faces is not a problem at all,” he said.
“Arsenal’s squad is getting better all the time because they’re growing in experience. There are lot of young players in the squad but they are getting to know each other’s game. That breeds confidence.”
Goalkeeper Lehmann drew heavy criticism last season when a couple of high profile blunders tarnished his reputation and prompted speculation that Wenger might have to resume his search for Seaman’s successor.
But the former England stopper, who backs Arsenal to defend their title, said: “Jens had a fantastic season. Any criticism came from silly people because Jens was great.
“He has won the league – what more can you ask for in your first year? Okay, he made a couple of mistakes in the Champions League but generally he was fantastic.”
Credit: breakingnews.ie
