"Well... okay then..."
Upon hearing that Henry wouldn't be playing on Saturday, Wenger couldn't hide his disappointment. Just as he was about to turn and leave, Celtic, who had answered his question earlier, came over and patted his old friend on the shoulder twice: "Arsène, I know you want to ensure the team's results. But as you've seen, Thierry's physical condition has declined quite rapidly this season; he has too many injuries..."
Wenger nodded, accepting his friend's explanation: "Cercio, I understand what you're saying. I just... just want to win against that young guy at home."
“We have other players, Arsène, Emmanuel, and Robin are all available to play!”
"Yes, I know, Robin's fine, but Emmanuel..."
Wenger didn't continue, turning to walk towards the door; he needed to get back to training. But just as he reached the door, Sergio's voice came from behind him: "By the way! Arsène, I have to remind you, Thierry is turning 30 this year!"
Upon hearing this, Wenger paused, and finally let out a heavy sigh...
····
Wenger doesn't know if this counts as shooting himself in the foot. He was the one who first proposed signing players over 30 years old on a one-year contract, since his coaching philosophy is to prefer younger players.
Since taking over Arsenal, Wenger has always wanted a young, energetic, and dynamic team. However, in this day and age, players are generally past their prime after 30, and health and form become crucial factors in his decisions.
When the club proposed a one-year contract for players over 30, Arsenal owner Hillwood agreed without hesitation, as the proposal would be beneficial to the club. However, this also led to a major disagreement between club legend Dennis Bergkamp and the club during the contract renewal process, and the legendary captain Patrick Vieira was subsequently sold to Juventus.
Sergio's words just now reminded Wenger that Henry, whom he has relied on most in recent years, is about to turn 30, and the one-year-a-month signing policy will soon fall on him.
"Sigh...why is renewing a contract so difficult..."
As Wenger walked into the training ground and looked at the players training inside, especially the bouncing Adebayor, he couldn't help but sigh.
This young Togolese player, who was bought from Leeds United a year and a half ago, will have only one year left on his three-year contract after this season ends.
A month ago, the club approached his agent to discuss a contract renewal. His agent immediately demanded a raise, and even requested a salary only one level lower than Henry's, as soon as he sat down!
When Wenger first heard the news, he thought that Adebayor's agent wanted to get more commission, so he took it upon himself to make this unrealistic salary increase request. So he privately approached Adebayor to talk to him.
It would have been better if we hadn't talked about it, because once we did, Wenger almost got a high blood pressure spike!
It turns out that this was all Adebayor's own idea. He seemed to have forgotten the fact that he had gradually become a substitute this season and believed that his ability was fully commensurate with his salary.
Wenger was initially a little surprised.
This was the first time Adebayo had shown such a desire for money in front of him.
After making inquiries from various sources, Wenger learned that Adebayor's group of relatives were the culprits who made him so obsessed with money.
This is also Adebayor's misfortune. Since coming to Europe and establishing himself, Adebayor, who came from the slums, has never been free from the harassment of his outrageous relatives. It would not be an exaggeration to describe Adebayor's relatives as sucking his blood!
Previously, when he was at Monaco and Leeds United, his brothers didn't earn much because their salaries were low. But ever since Adebayor made a name for himself at Leeds United and was brought to Arsenal by his brother, his salary skyrocketed to 80,000 euros a week. Influenced by his relatives, his already restless heart became increasingly unwilling to settle down.
Naturally, when the club approached him to discuss a contract renewal, Adebayor made an outrageous demand!
In the end, Wenger definitely did not agree to Adebayor's request, so the matter has been put on hold until now. He had planned to reduce the kid's playing time as much as possible in the second half of the season to teach him a lesson.
Unexpectedly, not long after, Henry went down, leaving him and Van Persie as the only decent strikers left in his arsenal...
····
Saturday, Emirates Stadium.
Before the match started, Li Shiguang walked up to Arsenal's bench and greeted Wenger: "Good evening, Arsène. Your new stadium is huge, I'm a little envious!"
Good evening, Li.
Seemingly unaffected by Henry's absence, Wenger greeted Li Shiguang with a faint smile and even joked with him in a gentle manner: "I'm sorry, you're forced to go home with a defeat on your first time stepping into the Emirates Stadium."
"Arsène, to be honest, that was a pretty lame joke, haha." Li Shiguang shrugged nonchalantly and began his pre-match trash talk. "By the way, didn't they say Thierry was injured? Why did you still put him on the roster? He's not going to play anyway!"
Why is this person talking so irritating?! What does "Anyway, I won't be able to play" even mean?!
Wenger's previously relaxed brows immediately furrowed, and he stared intently at Li Shiguang: "I don't know where you heard these rumors, but Thierry does have a minor injury, but it won't prevent him from playing in today's match!"
"Oh? Really?" Li Shiguang winked at Wenger, his tone full of disbelief. "Let me give you a friendly reminder, Arsène. Since you've already fallen out of the title race, you might as well conserve your strength and try to go further in the Champions League. After all, you were the runners-up in last season's Champions League. Don't be eliminated in the round of 16 this year, or I'll laugh at you, hehehehehehe."
Hey, you son of a bitch, how come I never noticed you were this shameless before?
Upon hearing Li Shiguang's words, Wenger felt a surge of anger rising to his head, and he raised his hand, ready to strike Li Shiguang.
"No, no, no, it was just a joke, don't take it so seriously! I'll be going now~"
Having achieved his goal, Li Shiguang uttered a single sentence and ran towards his substitute bench without looking back, leaving Wenger, whose face was already flushed red, standing there...
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