The dizzying number of reports in the British papers regard the transfer requests from Spurs strikers Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov (to Liverpool and Man United, respectively) have undoubtedly been the culprit in raising the blood pressure of Spurs fans around the world lately.
The news of Berbatov leaving has certainly been expected by Spurs faithful over the last few months, but even a Carling Cup victory last February wasn't enough to persuade the Bulgarian to give new coach Juande Ramos another season to achieve the status of playing in the Champions League: Berbatov wants to play there now, the erratic play of Spurs on the pitch apparently a significant role in his moodiness throughout the year.
Keane, however, is an entirely different study: in the years that he's been at White Hart Lane, he has been a truly exemplary leader both on and off the pitch, a hard worker who appreciates the recognition from the Tottenham faithful. Many times over Keane has expressed how content he is at the Lane, and even as last year's roller coaster of a season was finishing up, he expressed a desire to finish his career at Tottenham.
Now that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has come out with a stunning statement earlier this week, that reads in part.... I have absolutely no wish to sell either player and to date we have not accepted any offer for either. However, when a player's head is turned and their commitment is absent, particularly when they occupy key positions such as that of striker, they become a negative influence in a team dressing room in which they were once a positive addition and influence. This is the situation we now have on our hands, with both Dimitar and Robbie having made it clear that they wish to leave for Manchester Utd and Liverpool respectively., the question that is burning on the minds of all Spurs fans is: Robbie, how could you and what exactly has changed in the last year to have changed your mind?
Going to Liverpool won't be nearly as unforgivable as when Sol Campbell signed with Arsenal earlier this decade, but it has still been received as a major body shock by Spurs fans. Yes, we know the true nature of professional sports is that it's a business, but when a trusted and admired player such as Keane disavows what he's said before (on many occasions), then the last shreds of imagined integrity and devotion to the team have sadly been cruelly ripped away.
ROBBIE'S LIES, LIES, LIES
LEVY'S STATEMENT
A pox upon both Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez for their actions in these matters.
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