So far, this summer, we've had some big talking points. Classic stories of the will he or won't he go, new summer signings and loads of off the field action.
In my last entry it was the start of the transfer window, clubs already making signings and the rumour mill was in full motion. I had a cheeky little look over it before deciding to write this just to see how much truth came of what I wrote.
One thing I wrote about was the imminent departure of Palermo's Javier Pastore, the club's chairman came out and said he was leaving but wouldn't tell us anymore. He kept his cards close to his chest through out the summer, stating a major european club was in for him and I second guessed that Real Madrid and Chelsea would be battling it out for his signature. As the summer went on it was clear that his future would not lie in Spain and once more I thought we'd be seeing him come to England. Chelsea were very clear about their need for a top class central midfielder, more so when the news broke of Essien's long term knee injury which will keep him out well into the new year. But no, to my amazement it seems that Pastore will be unveiled as a Paris San Germain player very soon... Personally, it comes across to me as an odd move - I feel he is not making progressive steps but that is a whole other story.
Bojan will be playing in Serie A next season for Roma paving the way out for striker Mirko Vucinic who is being followed very closely by Juventus and Tottenham.
Many transfers that have gone through so far have been quite expected ie. Ashley Young, David De Gea, Gervinho, Charlie Adam, Stuart Downing. One transfer which I didn't think I'd be seeing this summer was Aguero's move to Manchester City. The deal went through very fast and without any hiccups (as you would imagine when dealing with City). I, along with all other football fans, will be looking forward to seeing him in the league. We all know how good he has been for Athletico and we can only hope that he can bring some much needed flair to Manchester City. Carlos Tevez has not been a happy bunny this summer, he wants away - again. This time Corinthians went in for him; an unlikely move from the Brazilians but the deal was accepted and then they couldn't pay an initial fee of around £8.7million. So, as it stands, Carlos Tevez is still a Manchester City player and it could stay that way. Inter Milan are reportedly in for him but these are only rumours, if they were to sell Sneijder to Manchester United then they would probably have the money to sign the Argentine.
Arsenal have done an awful lot of selling and not an awful lot of much needed buying. Nasri seems to be staying for one more season but Fabregas may have had his last game in Arsenal colours. Their neighbours are fighting desperately to keep hold of Luka Modric - Levy says he is not for sale, Bond (Kevin, not James) came out today and said every player has their price. Both clubs cannot afford to lose their key midfielders but both may submit. Arsenal are at the negotiation table with Barcelona who already have coughed up the cash to sign Udinese star Alexis Sanchez. I feel both stories will last all summer. Will it be too late for both clubs to line up replacements? It seems Arsenal and Tottenham are in for Juan Mata but I believe Arsenal are leading the race for the young Spaniard.
A Joey Barton story has broken today that Newcastle have placed him on the transfer list and he is also available on a free transfer. Is he worth the risk? Would you want him at your club? I think he had a great season and is a very good footballer but would not want him at my club. He has not been shy in airing his opinions and feelings regarding his club, their transfer policies and his general happiness.
Danny Simpson just took to twitter and seemed to be unhappy, obviously regarding the imminent departure of Joseph Barton. I hope Mr. Ashley has a plan of action, in 6 months he has let his three best players go. You're move, Newcastle.
Moving onto more stories from the summer, we have the ever exciting Mario Balotelli causing a stir wherever he may be. Super Mario upset American commentators, LA Galaxy fans and Roberto Mancini after trying a back-heeled trick-shot half an hour in. Mancini substituted him very angrily straight away, they had a bit of a tiff on the touchline but Balotelli played the next game against Inter Milan in America and scored - City went on to beat Inter 3-0. Here is the video along with American commentary:
Balotelli also told Sky Italia that he doesn't like Manchester and he misses home. He stated he was happy with the club and his team mates but still missed home, Mario also did not rule out one day returning to Milan.
Fat Ronaldo was always given a load of stick when he was carrying a little extra weight hence earning him the loved name - Fat Ronaldo. He was on holiday and snapped some some pap but he now truly looks like a pregnant alien.
Arsenal's new signing, Gervinho, got off to a perfect start by scoring twice on his club debut. Poor new boy Carl Jenkinson will want to forget his first major contribution to his new club as he scored a hilarious/disastrous own goal. He wouldn't be able to emulate this effort in a million years, as it goes in he just looks like he wants the earth to open up and swallow him whole.
At Tottenham it is common practice to do the classic heel kick and howl when a player gets nutmegged.
In Spain, they celebrate nutmegs with more joy than a goal (please excuse the music).
On a parting note, I want to show you how France prepared for Ronaldo in 1998 before the final. They have experts and Marcel Desailly explaining Ronaldo's actions and movements. Without this key bit of training and wisdom France would not have won the World Cup.
