The grass is always greener Prt 2: Flamini to Milan

AC Milan's website has just confirmed that French defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini has signed a 4 yr deal with the club. This is disappointing news, because it seems to me he has bitten the hand that fed him. Flamini has had an outstanding season in midfield, largely due to Wenger's living up to his word. Constant injuries in the Arsenal squad in the 06-07 season forced Wenger to utilize him as a left back defender. He was not happy with this role and gave Wenger the ultimatum of returning him to his original role. This season Wenger not only gave Flamini back his original position. He also gave him extended playing time, to the sacrifice of senior defensive midfielder Gilberto Da Silva. Wenger saw Flamini's partnership with Spanish central midfielder Cesc Fabregas as an integral factor in Arsenal's development. He played them continously in the season, as if to ensure that they would get used to each other's playing styles. This exposure has attracted big clubs with big money and Flamini obviously decided to go for the extra dinero's. Milan would not have signed him if Wenger didnt give him extended periods on the pitch.

Flamini's move to AC Milan may even decrease his liklihood of achieving silverware. Arsenal at the moment has just come out of a reconstruction stage while AC Milan is now starting this process. This summer Milan is expected to sign a number of players while a few maybe on their way out. These players will need some time to adjust to playing in the Seria A. Other teams in the Seria A, such as Juventus, Inter and Roma are more stable and are continuing to dominate the tables. There is even the possibility that Milan may fire their coach and Flamini will not know who he will be playing for next season. Arsenal on the other hand still have a chance to grab second place in the Premiereship despite struggling with injuries and other obstacles. The team have been playing with each other for a couple of seasons now. This year they showed evidence that they were close to maturity. I believe Wenger was setting his sights on next season to be truly challenge for the title. The loss of the French midfielder now means he has to enter the market for a replacement. Flamini now enters the growing list of players that have departed from Arsenal only to find out later it was not the best move. Good luck in your endevours Flamini and thank you for your contribution to the club.