Highbury House

Thankfully, not with us! Denilson has been talking about his future:

There is the possibility of maybe signing a four or five-year contract. My lawyer talked to Arsenal and they asked to wait to see what happens in the Brazilian Cup before talking again. 

Anything could happen. Sao Paulo are doing their best to keep me, but I prefer to focus on my work and think about that later. There are two options – a permanent contract or extend the loan deal.

If we advance to the Brazilian Cup final, Arsenal might extend the loan deal for two more weeks, and I will accept that decision as I want to play in the final. I have already done my part, showing my intention of remaining here at Sao Paulo.

No more loans Arsenal, not for this man – let him stay where he wants and just accept whatever Sao Paulo offer, within reason.

Steven N’Zonzi – Blackburns defensive midfielder, who obviously doesn’t want to play in the Championship next season, is attracting interest from many Premier league clubs and yes, we are one of them according to Sky Sports. I think every other PL club is interested in him, well, all bar the two in Manchester..

Many see N’Zonzi as a cheaper option to M’Vila, a more likely one for us maybe?

I popped into Lidil yesterday afternoon, not to see if I could find Arsene Wenger checking out the bargain bins, but to get some olives, they knock socks off the so-called better supermarkets in their selection available. Stuffed with peppers or garlic, green or black, nice and ready for munching whilst watching the Euros. Not sure why Lidil popped into my head just then.

Anyway, Euros kick off tonight – Poland v’s Greece – that takes us nicely to Steves post for today:

Morning Gooners,

Last season was a nightmare for Arsenal football club as far as injuries were concerned. Jack Wilshere missed the whole of the season through an ankle injury our full backs went down like ninepins and our well-respected right back Bacary Sagna broke his leg twice.

Many have said that was the reason that The Arsenal was unable to win the League or any Cups, well I don’t know about that.

The governing authority of world football, FIFA, have just released a report about the over use of Painkillers by International footballers and it has got me thinking, especially as they are now warning players about the long-term effects to their health.

I understand how important it is to have your best players included in any team at all times but supporters and public alike, seem to accept that this practice is quite normal in top sports persons lives, however, I have a different view.

With the Euro’s kicking off tonight, and the Olympics to follow soon after,  it made me think about how many athletes hopes will be dashed should they pick up an injury just as their fixture/event starts.

No doubt many would be devastated and having watched my own beloved team go through a season with one calamity after another,  one bad result follow another because of injury, I too was disappointed.

FIFA’s Chief medical Officer Dr Dvorak, has stated that 40% of players in the 2010 world cup had taken medication in the form of painkillers to enable them to take the field of play.

Well maybe I am wrong, but why do we have random drug testing in football and other sports as I was under the illusion it was to cut out cheating by sportsmen and women who have taken performance enhancing drugs.

But they are only taking painkillers you say.

Could these sportsmen and women have performed to their maximum without the use of pain killing drugs, if your answer is no, then are they not guilty of using performance enhancing medication, whether it is a legal substance or not?

What about the use of head guards and face masks which we see in football and other sports, are they not influencing/enhancing a performance?

Is it right to allow a player on to the field of play where he would not otherwise be permitted?

Players cannot wear rings and necklaces no mater how religious they may be in case it inflicts injuries to others, but a hard face mask is acceptable, why?

Isn’t that why we have a squad with someone else ready to step in?

Why bother to have a fitness test before a match if all they need is protection of a pain killing injection or a prosthetic aid?

I’m sorry but if you don’t pass the test without any aid you shouldn’t be allowed to take part.

Many sportsmen and women have been found guilty of taking recreational drugs, either taken when they have been out socialising or relaxing, some of course will take something purely to enhance their own performance but if traces are found in their system when being tested they are banned and will be automatically excluded from the competition they are taking part in.

I believe that any drug which can be seen as enhancing a person’s performance is cheating his or her opponent whether its legal or not.

What’s your view, are FIFA’s fears just?

Should they stop the use of pain killing relief in sport, if it is the only thing that gets a sports person to get though his or her event/match?

Written by Steve Palmer.