Usmanov Talks / Steaua Bucharest Away

October 2, 2007 on 5:10 pm | In Arsenal FC | posted by Jack |

Our friendly Russian shareholder today broke his silence to give an interview to Sky Sports News.

“There’s nothing wrong if Russian money is to be invested into the world’s best football club.

Together we will be able to succeed and it will enable us, as Russians, to learn how to create a football team.

What’s wrong with that?

As a shareholder, and as a fan, I’m going to enjoy it and I will share my experience if our relationship with the club lasts long enough.”

It’s a bit vague what his intentions are really.. I certainly don’t buy the Arsenal fan story. He didn’t specifically mention his future plans - whether he wants to takeover, or whether he just wants to hold a certain percentage. I don’t like it at all.

Now, the football. Tonight we play Steaua Bucharest away in the Champions League, and it’s live on ITV4. Steaua the worst team in the group on paper, but I think we will have quite a tough game. We don’t usually do that great in Eastern Europe, and the Steaua team will be psyched up for the game. For them, it is a cup final. For their manager, Massimo Pedrazzini, it certainly is too. The Italian has told be will be fired if his team loses tonight. In team news, van Persie, Hleb, Adebayor, Flamini and Diaby all face fitness tests. Lehmann, Gallas, Eduardo and Song are all still out. This game could provide a good opportunity for the likes of Bendtner and Walcott.

Finally, Terje Hauge, the Norwegian referee we last saw in Paris, is the official tonight. Lets hope for a better score. Come on the Arsenal!