Post by Justin on Aug 9, 2008 11:13:33 GMT 7
This piece of news makes me warming to Arshavin move, as if the player himself is that interested, it means something.
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David Hytner and Sachin Nakrani
The Guardian, Saturday August 9 2008
Article history
Arshavin hopes that Zenit St Petersburg will lower their asking price. Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Andrei Arshavin has revealed he wanted to join Tottenham Hotspur after the club's manager Juande Ramos called him personally and the continuing impasse over his proposed transfer had left him frustrated and praying for a "miracle".
The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker also said that he had met a representative from Spurs to agree personal terms and lamented the club hiking his price to more than £20m to "frighten off" his suitors.
Arshavin wanted to insert a buy-out clause into his last contract at Zenit but the administration, who have since departed, said that it was not necessary as he had their word that he could leave if a serious offer were to come in. That gentleman's agreement, though, has cut no ice with the new president, Alexander Dukov.
Even the Zenit fans, who appreciate what Arshavin has done for them, have given their blessing to his transfer, holding up banners at recent matches urging Dukov to "Let Shava Go". Arshavin has even considered the last resort of going on strike; he will decide today whether to fly to Kazan for tomorrow's showdown with the league leaders Rubin.
"When Tottenham made their offer, I was sceptical at first," said Arshavin. "But after Ramos called me personally and told me that they were selling Robbie Keane and that he wanted me in his side, the situation changed. When a coach shows an interest in you, especially such a renowned and strong coach, then that is already half of the success of any move. I also like the way Tottenham play so I agreed in principle to join."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
David Hytner and Sachin Nakrani
The Guardian, Saturday August 9 2008
Article history
Arshavin hopes that Zenit St Petersburg will lower their asking price. Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Andrei Arshavin has revealed he wanted to join Tottenham Hotspur after the club's manager Juande Ramos called him personally and the continuing impasse over his proposed transfer had left him frustrated and praying for a "miracle".
The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker also said that he had met a representative from Spurs to agree personal terms and lamented the club hiking his price to more than £20m to "frighten off" his suitors.
Arshavin wanted to insert a buy-out clause into his last contract at Zenit but the administration, who have since departed, said that it was not necessary as he had their word that he could leave if a serious offer were to come in. That gentleman's agreement, though, has cut no ice with the new president, Alexander Dukov.
Even the Zenit fans, who appreciate what Arshavin has done for them, have given their blessing to his transfer, holding up banners at recent matches urging Dukov to "Let Shava Go". Arshavin has even considered the last resort of going on strike; he will decide today whether to fly to Kazan for tomorrow's showdown with the league leaders Rubin.
"When Tottenham made their offer, I was sceptical at first," said Arshavin. "But after Ramos called me personally and told me that they were selling Robbie Keane and that he wanted me in his side, the situation changed. When a coach shows an interest in you, especially such a renowned and strong coach, then that is already half of the success of any move. I also like the way Tottenham play so I agreed in principle to join."
