Arsene Wenger has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold concerning the risks of obsessing over the Ballon d’Or and has claimed that Actual Madrid approached him “an extended, very long time in the past.”
In his exit announcement video, Alexander-Arnold stated that his choice to depart Liverpool is because of him eager to problem himself elsewhere and “change atmosphere.”
Many supporters assume a part of that problem will probably be to win the Ballon d’Or, one thing that’s arguably extra prone to occur with him in a Madrid shirt than enjoying within the Premier League.
Earlier this season, Alexander-Arnold admitted on Sky Sports activities that successful the person award was a much bigger purpose for him than turning into Liverpool captain or successful one other Champions League trophy.
Former Arsenal supervisor Wenger has warned the No. 66 about that mentality, although, saying on Bein Sports activities: “I used to be by no means an enormous fan of the Ballon d’Or as a result of I really feel it simply destroyed some careers.
“Particular person expectation shouldn’t be the supreme goal, and we’re in a society the place it’s solely about clarification (rating) of everyone in a sport the place the staff efficiency needs to be extra necessary.”
Wenger has been a divisive determine since retiring from teaching – a few of his opinions throughout his work with FIFA, comparable to a biennial World Cup, are questionable to say the least.
Nevertheless, his phrases ring true on the subject of the Ballon d’Or, which has turn into a sideshow to a staff sport within the trendy period, when gamers are more and more turning into particular person manufacturers moderately than squad elements.
“Actual Madrid approached Alexander-Arnold an extended, very long time in the past”
It’s the world’s worst-kept secret that Alexander-Arnold is heading to Madrid, therefore why he ran his Liverpool contract down.
To do that, although, he would have wanted assurances from Los Blancos that they’d be buying him as soon as his present deal expires.
It was within the March worldwide break that the right-back knowledgeable Liverpool he could be leaving, in line with Merseyside journalists.
Wenger was requested whether or not the Champions League holders had unofficially approached the 26-year-old. He responded with a smile, saying: “Actual Madrid approached Alexander-Arnold an extended, very long time in the past.”
It doesn’t take an insider to know that the wheels had been spinning on this transfer lengthy earlier than, and Wenger defined how he thinks golf equipment like Madrid are utilizing the Bosman switch ruling to their benefit.
“I consider that it exhibits the development of transfers now and it exhibits a brand new development within the recreation,” Wenger stated.
“There isn’t any switch anymore for the massive, massive gamers. They go all on the finish of their contract as a result of the wages are so excessive that if you wish to purchase Marcel (Desailly – pundit sat subsequent to Wenger) right this moment, it’s a must to give him a lot cash that you simply can not pay the switch anymore.
“So what do the massive golf equipment do? They are saying two years earlier than the top of a contract we wish to purchase you, we provide you with these wages and we’ll attempt to make a suggestion to the membership.
“If it doesn’t work, we come again subsequent yr and if it doesn’t work then, we’ll take you totally free. That’s what they (Madrid) did with Mbappe as effectively.”
