Only One ‘Direction’?

An end to the RVP saga is on the horizon, and it seems as though the anticipation has worn thin and I have finally accepted that perhaps RVP’s departure would be the best way for Arsenal to progress.

The overwhelming sensation of déjà vu strikes, and yet another summer is swarmed by transfer talk surrounding an Arsenal captain. It was only a year ago that key playmaker Cesc Fabregas parted ways with the club and exchanged Emirates Stadium for the epic stage of Camp Nou. Who could have blamed him? As one of the club’s youngest captains Cesc had provided so much for Arsenal, dedicating the best part of his adult life to the North London club. At the peak of his football career, yet with only one Premier League and FA Cup trophy achieved with Arsenal, it’s understandable that the young Spaniard chose to return to his home town, Barcelona.  

It is this stark contrast that makes RVP’s inevitable departure all the more sour. Footballers are forthcoming in pledging allegiance to their club; kissing the badge of honour when the ball hits the back of the net, screaming out in gladiatorial celebration when victorious and in dedicating success to the fans. It is this allegiance that can be questioned when a club’s captain publicly unveils his lack of support for the ‘direction’ in which their club is heading. No one can doubt RVP’s commitment to Arsenal and that they will lose an incredible player when he leaves; he was the English Premier League’s top goal scorer in the 2011-2012 season with an impressive thirty goal haul. RVP’s departure, however, will undoubtedly question the loyalty he pledged to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger himself, a man to whom RVP is unarguably indebted after being offered an extended contract in 2009 despite suffering from lengthy periods of injury. It appears that the North London club are prepared for this summer’s most dramatic departure after signing the likes of Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski. These signings are a direct response to the doubters of Arsene Wenger and RVP in particular, who may have to air an alternative reason to his fans as justification for leaving behind a club that surely pledged allegiance to him throughout his injury clad tenure at Arsenal.

To put into perspective the length of time that has surpassed since Arsenal won the Premier League in 2004; three Olympic Games have taken place, two World Cups and Chelsea have seen eight different managers. It’s fair to acknowledge the emptiness of the club’s trophy cabinet in recent years, and RVP’s exit is certainly a huge blow to the progress that was showcased by the players last season. This is, however, why we must say ‘good-bye’ to RVP and focus on the quality and passion within our squad at present. This move is crucial in order to commence the new season with the vigour and drive which was lacking at the beginning of last season, when Arsenal appeared unprepared for the certain departure of Cesc Fabregas. It appears that Arsene Wenger has taken note and Arsenal is cementing its status as a serious contender for the Premier League title this upcoming season.