So, we have had new unsubstantiated claims that Mesut Ozil, plus two other un-named players, have refused to take a paycut on the Arsenal salary. But strangely enough, the Gunners have released an official statement saying that an agreement has been reached “with our first-team players, head coach and core coaching staff.”
There is no mention of anyone NOT being included in the voluntary agreement, so why is Mesut Ozil being made out to be the villain yet again?
You can read the statement in full, as published on the Official Arsenal website…
We are pleased to announce that we have reached a voluntary agreement with our first-team players, head coach and core coaching staff to help support the club at this critical time.
The move follows positive and constructive discussions. In these conversations there has been a clear appreciation of the gravity of the current situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a strong desire for players and staff to show their backing for the Arsenal family.
Reductions of total annual earnings by 12.5 per cent will come into effect this month, with the contractual paperwork being completed in the coming days. If we meet specific targets in the seasons ahead, primarily linked to success on the pitch, the club will repay agreed amounts. We will be able to make those repayments as hitting these targets, which the players can directly influence, will mean our financial position will be stronger.
The agreement is based on the assumption we will finish the season 2019/20 and receive the full broadcasting revenues. The resulting savings will help cover some of the financial risks we have this season in relation to our matchday and commercial income.
We are proud and grateful to our players and staff for pulling together to support our club, our people and our community in these unprecedented times which are some of the most challenging we have faced in our history.
Victoria Concordia Crescit
So, as you can see, there is no mention at all of there being any dissenters to the agreement, so how did John Cross announce that Ozil had refused the deal?
Exclusive: Mesut Ozil one of three Arsenal players to reject club's 12.5 per cent pay cut https://t.co/qY5xXvRdGc
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) April 21, 2020
Is it possible that he just made it up?
Finally an “ Official Statement” from the Club.
This, being released directly from Arsenal Football Club, I would believe over fabricated tabloid journalism. The English sporting media are a disgrace.
Thank you. And sports media are disgrace.
Asn’l FC should have released this earlier. They must know how this kind of rumors, gossip, slander grows like corona virus. And it’s as lethal as covid. I only hope that those three guys who were accused of disloyalty not have changed their mind on gallows hill.
Robert Acedius, exactly my thought, what if those 3 guys changed there minds because they see that other players have already agreed to the paycut, their is a saying that “theirs no smoke without fire”.
Robert, Sorry to burst your bubbles.. Arsenal released the club’s statement since yesterday…
One twat brought out a false statement today, and fans jumped at it because it suits their agenda.
You should be more worried about the fans who can’t wait to jump on a player’s back
I am speechless by the story, they are not taking a pay cut or loss of earnings like most of us. It is a cut with a bonus payment of no cut if we get in the CL. That is so shameful when what is going on around us day after day. How anyone can defend these mercenaries is beyond me. Three who we know who they are, are lower than a snakes arse because they opposed even this until they were shamed by team mates and the manager into accepting it. This lot of players and the players at other teams are a disgrace.
Reggie, if its true that there are some set of players who earlier disagreed to take a pay cut, they should be ashamed of themselves, although you can’t force them to take a cut but at this time when everyone is fighting to survive they should be so ashamed of themselves. Barcelona players took 70% pay cut just so that the club employees can be paid fully.
And Roma players have now four months without payment at all. That’s something.
Leno. If it is so, that these three players changed their mind, I think they did it now in the early hours of 21th of April, when they saw the media reaction. They realised that they were going to be crucified. And that scared them.
Early hrs of 21???
Arsenal announced they’ve reached an agreement with all senior players and staff yesterday afternoon, so what are you guys even talking about?
You guys don’t follow your clubs to kbkw the truth or what is it exactly?
Robert Acedius, The club’s chief executive, Guido Fienga, said: “We always talk about unity at Roma and in volunteering to cut their salaries for the rest of the season, the players, the coach, and his staff, have all proved that we really are in this together.
“Edin Dzeko [the club captain], all the players and [coach] Paulo Fonseca have demonstrated they understand what this club stands for and we also thank them all for their superb gesture towards the employees at this club.”
When I as young man became a gooner, I thought that was qualities typical for Asn’l Football Club. But, of course, I was young and naive. It’s very impressive, thought. And I can understand why Mkhitaryan don’t want to come back.
Cross should be put on the cross as for the rest of you old nags with nothing else to do do but moan if it is true or not go to another club you are a pair of oxygen thieves go and play bingo with the old women that is all your good for
Yes. Three crosses at Golgotha. That’s a good one. Thanks.
Let’s remember that our board members, who we bash maybe more than the players, have taken a bigger pay cut. With no caveats about qualifying for UCL (LMAOOO), or Europa League. This deal deserves little praise.
You are kicking in open doors, Jon. I don’t think anyone believe the 2019-20 campaign will come to a natural end, that is play all 38 rounds. That’s why we fools sit here and gossip and dream of unrealistic transfers. Isolated by the plague we are not creative enough to do something better with our time. By the way, do you think there will be a 2020-21 season?
nicely done by them 🙂
Why some Arsenal fans are so aggressive towards the players and club. Give the guys a break for god’s sake.
Are you even real fans? Just support the club.