Despite him being the Cliff Richard of football in my eyes (will he ever come out? Who knows) and being very unlikeable… You cannot deny his ability still at 36, his desire, confidence and drive. You can’t deny his record, his contribution to charity (he does a lot!) his knowledge and his attitude to the game.
He’s a born winner, people see that as arrogance but he strives not only for the best in himself but in those around him. It’s very easy to confuse arrogance with confidence though and I think that’s the issue here.
Messi had the chance to prove he’s the best by not only doing it in Spain but in the toughest league on the planet. Instead he chose a huge wage and signing on fee to play in the 5th best league in the world (official report was released today ranking the leagues… France was 5th!). He hinted he wanted to come and like Kane could of made the move happen, but didn’t. Both now looking for the big bucks instead and that speaks volumes to me.
Then there‘s this “****”, this ”selfish fucker” who‘s “arrogant”. A player pushing for a move to us to prove he still has it in the best league, a player willing to cut his wage in half not double it to make it happen… Again speak volumes.
Then there’s his knowledge. He’s forgotten more than most know and has been there and done it not only here but in Spain, Italy and on the international level. He now has the chance to sign off being the first player to win a champions league with two clubs from the same city… ok region… lol.
The likes of Torres and Delap and even Foden can learn so much off just watching him but playing with and training around him daily will only benefit them. Then there’s the fee, £20-30m ballpark, V’s whatever silly amount Kane or Messi would of cost us… We’ll make that back this season and quite possibly over the two legs with PSG. Every media outlet will want a piece, sponsorships will line up, shirts will sell.
Also don’t underestimate the pull he still has, my Rag mate has a lad who is Ronaldo mad, he’s had every shirt he’s ever worn. My mates now gutted as his lad wants a City shirt if he joins! It’s crazy. Only two players on the planet currently generate that interest, Messi and like it or not, Ronaldo.
So, do I like the guy? No not at all. Will he do us a job though if he joins? 100%,he may not get 30 goals but he’ll get at least 20 and that’s what we have missed. Will I get giddy if he signs, no not at all and equally I’d not be sad if he didn’t, but I’m realistic enough to know he’s one of a few pieces that could potentially complete our jigsaw.
just my tuppence.