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Following on from our earlier report, that an Irish website was saying that Nigel Winterburn's
leaving us, it turns out that it was based on an article in today's
Irish Star, and there does appear to be new info here.
ArseWeb reader David has sent us the transcript, including quotes from the great man himself.
Nigel says, of his decision to leave the Arsenal, "It'ss been a heart wrenching decision and one made purely from a footballing
point of view...
I was offered a fantastic contract at Arsenal this year to stay and I could
have played 15-20 games maximum for that money and had a fantastic time. But I don't just want to take the money - I want to do something for it.
Everyone knows I don't really want to leave, but having said that .....if
the situation were to continue I don't think I'd do myself justice and not
too many Premiership clubs would be interested in me."
So, not completely conclusive, but it sounds extremely
ominous. David reckons (hopes) Nigel's just holding out for a
2-3 year extension :-)
Incidentally Nigel also comments on Gareth Barry's call-up to the England squad ahead of the nutty boy himsefl (who many of us
think would do Keegan proud). Nige says Keegan's made the right
choice, "At this stage we should be looking at the youngsters to bring them through, and Barry's only 19".
It's very sad that Nigel Winterburn has to leave us, only a year
after being Arsenal's player of the season. But like he says, one
has to bring the youngsters through, and Silvinho looks very promising.
It'll be interesting to see if Winterburn goes into coaching. If he does, don't
bet against him being back at Highbury before long. No-one's blood has ever run redder.
The Star also features an interview with Anelka, in which he says,
"When I look at Man Utd, the idea of one day playing for them does appeal to me". Nuff said.
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