including manure, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus; they even knew his sign-on fee, his weekly pay and how much Arsenal would get for him, and not of course forgetting his replacement. They have named the hotels and clubs where he was supposed to have held his meetings; they named the people at the meeting.
There was no doubt in their mind that these meetings took place; it wasn't a matter of whether he would go, rather than when ? some called him a disgrace, a cheat, accused him of letting his club and most of all his manger down; these relentless accusations have eventually caught up with him and his form has suffered; how would you feel if every time you pick up a newspaper, you are on the back pages being accused of once again wanted to get away ? he is a human being and I am no doubt that he is sick to death of it; the only thing that he is keeping him here is the respect he has for Wenger and his relationship with the fans, even though many fans have turned against him.
A friend, who is a member of the official supporters club, has recently met Vieira and asked him if he was really leaving the club; his reply was that he was staying and when she asked him why he doesn't announce it in the papers, his reply was “why should I ? I have never said that I wanted to go !”; and he is absolutely correct, why should he ?
It now seems that she put thoughts in his head and last Wednesday he announced that he is staying; this was a shock for the press, totally unexpected and totally unwelcome ! the question was, how would they turn this to their advantage ? how can they once again make headlines out of an announcement that was meant to take all the bad headlines away ? they are not newspapers reporters for nothing; they are vulgar and good with words; they are prepared to destroy people for their own benefit.
They instead, very carefully study his interview and use his wording to their advantage; playing with words is the main strength of newspaper reporters and its now put in to practice. They have accuse him he is only staying so that he can go on a free. Wenger had already announced that they are discussing a new contract which he hoped it would resolve before the world cup; does anyone listen ? of course not ! this would end the story which is bad news for the press and bad news for the other clubs that the press love !
This is what the Daily Express said today : “Vieira's every move is shrouded in deception and intrigue”; they have even suggested, that if Vieira signs a new contract, it would only be because financially he will be better off and he will still go ! can Vieira really win against the press ? I don't think so !
What is most disappointing is some of our fans reaction ? they have actually felt for all the crap and because of it, they have made Vieira their enemy; its all so clear, whereas last year the Vieira song was being heard for 90 continuous minutes, this season you'll be lucky if you hear it more than 2-3 times; and even after his announcement they have reacted in the same way as the press.
Vieira will never win this argument because the press will not allow him and the fans refuse to believe him; the only loser will be Arsenal and those fans will one day regret for not standing by him, but, it will be too late !