As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
Abou Diaby has revealed that Chelsea were also in the running to sign him before he opted for Arsenal.
The French midfielder was regarded as one of Europe's hottest prospects after making the breakthrough at Auxerre while still in his teens.
A desperate clamour for his services duly ensued, with clubs across the continent battling it out for his signature.
Among those keen to bring him on board were Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, with both holding talks with the burly anchorman.
Diaby admits he held lengthy discussions with both clubs, but confesses that he chose the Gunners as they could offer him the greater opportunity to become a regular first-team regular.
"Did Chelsea try to sign me in 2005? Yes, but it was very complex," the 24-year-old told L'Equipe.
"I visited the facilities but when I was there I had a chat with Lassana Diarra and he told me: 'Abou, I have not played for three months'. That made me hesitate.
Dream
"I even had a chat with Jose Mourinho. He was very frank and told me: 'I have a big team, with big players and I can't guarantee you anything, but we do want you'.
"Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger told me that he was looking for a midfielder to replace (Patrick) Vieira, that I had the same profile and that I would play.
"Also, at that time, Arsenal had the French connection. Robert Pires and Thierry Henry were there, and that makes you dream.
"There were choices to make and Arsenal wanted me. They seemed exciting to me.
"People told me: 'You will make a complete mess if you go abroad so young'. But I have my own objectives and I have tried to match them.
"I want to play for a big club, be in the French team and be a great player.
"I dream of winning the Ballon d'Or. I hope to win it one day. There is no shame in saying that."
Diaby, probably one of the most inconsistent players that I've ever seen play for us, his progress has obviously been hampered by a catalogue of injuries, that started by that terrible tackle by Dan Smith of Sunderland a few seasons back, nevertheless, in my opinion, he should now be sold off, as his bad games totally outnumber his good ones.
'Chelsea wanted to sign me but it was very complex'
In summary, "I'm not that good, Chelsea thought I might make a good squad addition which is, really, all I am up to, at best. Arsenal, on the other hand, thought that because I am tall, black and French, I could replace one of the greatest players ever to grace the pitch who by luck, was also tall, black and French. Who's laughing now eh?'
That's the type of sheer delusion that is rife within our squad. They all think they're far better than they actually are, they're all paid far more than what they're actually worth, they haven't a fucking medal between them and they are all living in cloud cookoo land.
A player I have lost faith in.
Slow and lacks reliable final ball.
Looked good before his serious injury, but I cannot see what he adds to the squad other than size and strength.
rodders999 wrote:That's the type of sheer delusion that is rife within our squad. They all think they're far better than they actually are, they're all paid far more than what they're actually worth, they haven't a fucking medal between them and they are all living in cloud cookoo land.
CUCKOO
CUCKOO
CUCKOO
If someone tells you and everyone else, everyday that you are brilliant, then you will believe no matter how shite you are.
And that's what our deluded cukoo manager tells all the players in our squad. Just look at his views on AL and Flappy.
QuartzGooner wrote:A player I have lost faith in. Slow and lacks reliable final ball.
Looked good before his serious injury, but I cannot see what he adds to the squad other than size and strength.
Slow, in terms of mental speed.
How many times do I see us break only for the ball to be given to Diaby. Who, with runners left and right, moves the ball about 5 yrds to the left to look....then to the right. By now the wingers have had to stop......
the ball is then released to Denilson.
In the new France team, he's considered as one of the best player, and he's highly rated in France. Which is funny, because he never played in France (except a few games with France team). I think they'll be disappointed very soon when they'll understand that his great game against Bosnia was an accident and for 1 great game there's 6-7 poor performances.