I’m still pleased for Thierry
Add comment November 19th, 2009
This morning I woke up to a world where Thierry Henry is not a hero, but a villain; not a sportsman, but a cheat; not an Arsenal legend, but an enemy of the beautiful game.
What bollocks. Le God’s hand might have intervened to help put Ireland out of the World Cup, but one handball does not a serial cheat make. The press have spent the morning comparing Henry to Diego Maradona, stating his reputation will be tarnished in a similar way. I can see what they have in common: a solitary handball, a suspension for cocaine, and testing positive for ephedrine…
Oh no wait, hang on: that’s absolute shit. Henry did not claim that his handball was the result of any divinity. Unlike Maradona, he is a gentlemen who was clearly embarrassed by a momentary lapse of judgement.
Frankly, I’m glad he’ll be at what looks likely to be his final World Cup. The world’s biggest stage and Henry deserve each other.
I feel deeply sorry for Andrey Arshavin, who will not travel to South Africa after Russia went out to Slovenia. His performances at Euro 2008 lit up the tournament, and it’s a shame he won’t be able to do the same next summer. From Arsenal’s perspective, however, it’s not so damaging: 1) Arshavin will get some much needed rest, 2) he will be even more determined to make an impact at club level, and 3) he won’t attract as much attention from Europe’s transfer vultures.
There were a couple of international goals from Arsenal players: this neat effort from Cesc Fabregas and a screamer from Emmanuel Eboue.
In other news, Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract – good timing, really, what with his increased importance to us in the light of Robin van Persie’s injury.
Got to run now. Till the next time.
