NipHolmes said:
supercrystal7 said:
Maybe it's not all about money. The world cup is fast approaching and De Jong may have wanted guarantees. At Milan he will be in their first team and be guaranteed to start all the big games. At City he would not be in the first team once Barry returned. There's the possibility Rodwell could usurp his place and then to add to it the manager wants to buy another central midfielder.
If I was De Jong, I think going to Milan for a similar wage to what City offered me would be the best for my career.
WC is 2 years away and he could play ahead of Barry anyway being as he is injured. He starts ahead of Rodwell. He 'left' purely because of his choice, we haven't failed him. We paid good money for him (18m) and treated him well, him leaving is a statement from him and not the club. I'm just disgusted at the fee brought in for him. Disgraceful and would have sooner kept him for a year than gain £3m.
Yes the world cup is just 2 seasons away. Qualification starts in a week and managers are starting to plan their teams. Signing a new contract with City is going to tie him down for the next two years.
Nobody said anybody failed anyone. This is football. He got paid very well, won trophies and played well for you. Now he is no longer first choice and decided to move on to find it. The fee is bad, but the decision to sell and his decision to go very understandable.