Not by Rico.
One of the undeniable truths about football is that players are always moving in and out of clubs. Fans may sometimes regret how certain things turn out or get angry with the board and executives for letting them happen. One such instance is the most likely departure of Aaron Ramsey for Juventus, which might make us wonder what some of our former players are doing after their time at Arsenal concluded.
Apart from taking the most obvious route toward becoming a coach, manager, analyst, TV presenter or being involved in the football world in some other manner, former athletes are fortunate to be able to walk a totally different path. Just like Denilson, the iconic Brazilian left winger who associated himself with another sporting discipline — professional poker — and now works as an ambassador in Brazil for a famous brand.
Naturally, most athletes tend to stay somewhat connected to their old profession, thinking they still might have something to accomplish in this business. Some share their knowledge on TV or on the pitch, coaching younger generations. Others feel like there are more trophies to be won so opt for a managerial career. Quite a few former Arsenal players chose management/coaching, with differing results. For example, Tony Adams, Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira all have the ambitions to lead a large club in the future, but only Vieira has a top job. Thierry Henry is another who for the first time since leaving Arsenal has his own team at Monaco, but it’s not going as well as he possibly thought it might.
It’s not just Arsenal though who see ex players head into management, or at least try but it’s never enough. Lampard and Gerrard are doing well at their respective clubs, as is Eddie Howe but those who succeed are very few and far between.
Two ex Arsenal players have just linked up again in France. Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas with the latter making his debut last weekend. Despite Arsenal having a glut of midfielders, not many, if any can do what Fabregas could in an Arsenal shirt. Wenger could have signed him for a second time when the Spaniard was ditched by Barcelona, but for reasons only he knows, he declined.
The hunt for a player like him has gone on since the day he left and now it seems we might sign one should this supposed deal for Denis Suarez ever cross the line.
With just ten days left in January, Arsenal’s lack of activity in the January transfer window, has been apparent but with the injury to Hector Bellerin looking serious, a loan for a right back might be on the cards. Although with AMN, Jenkinson and Lichtsteiner already to step in, I doubt it.
