'Sol' Long, Ribery, and, oh yeah, the World Cup final.

So, it's finally been confirmed. Mr Campbell has left the building. Sorry for the awful headline pun but I couldn't resist it. In a rather odd statement he's announced that he's decided to leave: where, exactly, hasn't been mentioned, neither has any potential fee.Which leads to the probable conclusion that we've terminated his contract by 'mutual consent', or that we've basically made clear that he's allowed to leave for free. Not quite the £8m that had been mooted...

Mercifully, Arseblogger is on his hols this week, so a rather more measured statement from Tom is on Arseblog today. I think I share EastLower's views though. It's been very easy to forget Sol's contribution to the club due to his pri-madonna strops this season. I wouldn't like to speculate but I think there was more to his downfall this year than just physical playing ability. Either way, a lot of last season was difficult for everyone, and I think Sol's implosion was rather typical of our travails. Personally, I'd like to remember him as the player with whom we won two titles, a host of FA cups, and as the titanic rock of the Champions League final. If that's his last game for the club, I think its a fair representation of his contribution to the Arsenal over the last five years. Adios Sol, and best of luck in the future.

And the future needs to be thought about. Combined with Bergy and Bobby's exit, we've now lost three experienced players who have been stalwarts of the squad for several seasons. New players Arsene. Quick!! I certainly think that Thuram would be a great stop-gap solution, but we need a new centre-back, at least as cover, for the long-term. I was also encouraged by Ribery's comments. I think he could be a long-term successor to Freddie. The way Riberys' improved even over the world cup has been astounding.

Also, in case we could possibly forget, its the final of the World Cup today. Allez Les Bleus! Or should I say 'les blancs' as Italy will be in blue this evening. While I though Italy were excellent in the semi-final - largely thanks to a ref who made it clear that gamesmanship would cut little ice with him - I still think France are the more exciting, and more deserving, team.

Mais Bien sur, the French have good old Thierry. But they also have the king of jesters that is Barthez, Paddy, Thuram, and most importantly Zinedine Zidane. I completely agree with Arsene's comments that Zizou can be compared to Maradona and Pele. [printed on the bbc gossip page]. Easily the best player I've ever seen [although, and I say this without Bias Tel isn't far away]. He deserves it and Tel deserves it. Also, hopefully it'll put one over Le Pen if France bring back the world-cup with its multicultural squad.


Til later,

Gb.