Goodbye Alex Hleb

Alexander Hleb yesterday, after a long running saga, officially signed for Barcelona.

Hleb’s a decent player who enjoyed his best season so far with the club last season. He may have lacked the confidence to find the net as much as we would have liked him to but he finally came good last season all the same.

What annoys me is the patience we had to show while Hleb adapted to the club. His first two seasons were frustratingly full of inconsistent performances as he struggled to find his groove. He finally comes good and as soon as he does is looking for the exit door. That’s why there will be no good luck from me.

While a good player Hleb’s also one of those players that can be replaced easily enough. The reported twelve million is a pleasing figure given that there were rumors not so long ago he would seek to leave for zilch via the webster clause. With that amount I am confident an adequate replacement can be found (it could of course be Nasri but I’m hoping Nasri is cover on the wings rather than a direct Hleb replacement.)

Of Hleb’s going Wenger had the following to say, ‘We must firstly thank Alex for his contribution towards Arsenal Football Club during his time with us. Alex played a significant role in the three seasons he was with the Club. We are comfortable with our decision to let him go and we are all looking forward to continuing our preparations for the new season ahead.” Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Alex the best of luck’

I too am comfortable with the decision to let him go, now let’s hope he doesn’t get struck by the Arsenal curse on his way out of the door.