Wenger's relief at Vieira's decision to stay
Vieira is staying at Arsenal
By Richard Clarke
Football’s saga of the summer came to a conclusion at Arsène Wenger's North London home last night.
The Arsenal manager admitted he feared he was losing his captain to Real Madrid. All parties seemed close to a deal with Arsenal reluctantly allowing their Club captain the opportunity to go after eight years of sterling service.
In the end, however, it was the decision of Vieira that brought about the announcement on Arsenal.com this morning.
"We opened the door to Patrick because it was his first desire," said Wenger at a press conference a few hours later.
"There was no financial problem between the clubs. That was quite clear. And I don't think there was a financial problem between Patrick and Real Madrid.
"In fact the only thing I am 100 per cent convinced of is that this is one of the few occasions in our sport when money has played no part. It was just a mental step that Patrick did not want to make.
"There is something special here at Arsenal that makes it attractive for the players.
"I think maybe the pressure of his friends has played a part too. I did not ask them to do it. I thought that it would happen naturally."
Despite that, the manager, who had made Vieira his second signing for the Club when he arrived in September 1996, admitted he had been almost resigned to the 28-year-old’s departure.
"There was more than one time when I thought we were losing him," he said.
"Even last Sunday I thought he'll probably go and we have to get on with our lives. He looked resolute and determined. We did not put any extra pressure on him. He just changed his mind.
"He told me last night and it was a relief. I had been travelling yesterday. I came back from Paris at 5pm and met him at my home last night.
"I did not tell the players until now [Friday lunchtime]. I wanted him to come out and tell them. I think they were very happy. I think some knew already."
"Now the focus for Patrick is to concentrate on his career," Wenger concluded. "Between 28 to 32 years-old is where you get to the peak of your career.
"At least now he has the most difficult part behind him."
The same can be said of Arsenal's squad-building for the new season. And just in time too.
看过这个,,,我对V队表示理解,,深刻的理解
谁来翻译一下吧,,我搞不定这个
