It has the clandestine about it. With ex-gunners Kolo Toure, Samri Nasri, Gael Clichy, Loanee Emmanuel Adebayor and an almost gunner- Yaya Toure at Manchester City; Arsenal’s confirmed date with the rich boys of English football brings to one, the odd feeling. A familiar feeling; Like a meet up with the Ex.
Like that unexpected booty call, the excitement seldom not, is soured by thoughts: Figures, she wants you back. You jockey yourself up. Only, back long enough to pay in kind: gonorrhea and its upcountry cousins.
Pardon me, I digress…All the same, Birmingham and a host of Italian clubs have been there before. At the Birds Nest in Beijing; which to me is one of the architectural icons this 21st century yet- part of the reason for my subdued enthusiasm for the upcoming London games, generously so thanks to the lack of imagination on matters brick and mortar- this said whilst trying hard to forget how Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps owned this magnificent arena back in 2008. A sporting masterpiece that today remains a major tourist attraction.
Yes; people in their millions actually pay just to tour a stadium. But this is not just ant stadium. Come this summer, tens of thousands will pay to watch Arsenal take on Manchester City in the inaugural China cup. This early season treat, part of the preseason itinerary for the EPL sides. Minding the core philosophies at play at the Manchester and London based premiership sides, an odd pair of yin and yan perhaps?
Thanks to Ivan’s comments on the official site, I got to learn that on the said date, the show kicks off for the first Olympics this decade. So much enthusiasm for London 2012 I have! (Surprise me pleasantly London please. I am all for the taking)
In the excerpt, Gazidis goes on to whet the appetites of Chinese gunners with talk of how much we enjoyed ourselves lat time out in China. To me, a well spun PR move akin to what you would say to your Ex to hide your real intentions when crossing the t’s that would make that booty call be: Like having a visual confirmation of just how low she has sunk on the hot chicks scale, seeking some self gratification or flaunt just how well you are doing with her out of your life etc.
In Beijing; Arsenal vs. Manchester City?
The last I heard of Arsenal’s preseason plans, up next in our sustainable march towards world football domination was of a tour of Nigeria.
Now, Playing Manchester City in the world’s second largest economy will definitely do some good in the commercial revenue race. Whilst am still dusting up my limited accounting knowledge, what’s coming through in my initial assessments of Arsenal Plc half year financials is the need to shore up this end of the balance sheet.
As we head off to China (Lucky people these Chinese people are. How is that of the x people in the globe that are Chinese, I am not part) I just hope the Nigeria tour has not fallen through. Nigeria of 2012 is the Brazil of 1999.One thinking president, 10 years and bam!
The guy currently in charge of Africa’s most populous state, Jonathan Goodluck, has of late been receiving raves for his efforts at restructuring the oil producing giant’s macro economics from none less than the likes of Jeffery Saachs.
Jonathan needs all the good luck surely; but he’s doing the necessary to get the sleeping giant on track. In the process of which, his administration has faced riots as some of his moves like slashing of gas subsidies in order to employ the public funds saved in long-term health and education programs have proved unpopular with the disillusioned masses.
Back to Arsenal, maybe I am still intoxicated by the Derby win, but it feels like the beginning of summer in gunner nation. The necessary, it seems is being done. On the pitch, it’s becoming evident- hopefully too to obstinate Wenger-on who to off load so as to maintain the gains from player dealings, which have made our bottom-line so so pretty to look at.
The Beijing date with Manchester City is assuring on the commercial revenues front as much as it very much sleeping with the enemy in pretty much all regards. Crap, it’s all about doing the necessary: Not only might we win a trophy; we might do it by beating the 2011/12 EPL champions (presumably). I will take that any day including preseason.
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