Help - Search - Members - Calendar
Full Version: Abidal admits Milan snub
AC Milan - Milanfan.com > AC Milan > News > Archive 06/07
misha
Jun 29 2007, 02:01 PM
QUOTE
Lyon full-back Eric Abidal has revealed that he turned down an offer from Milan in the hope of joining Barcelona.

The 27-year-old is expected to sign a deal with the Spanish giants on Friday and is looking forward to teaming up with fellow countryman Thierry Henry, who also arrived in Catalonia this week.

“Barcelona are just the club where I have always dreamed of playing when I was a kid. They are a great outfit,” said Abidal in an interview with L’Equipe.

“Milan were interested in me? It is true. They are a prestigious club, but today Italy is not my aim. Maybe when I am older I will change my mind,” added the Frenchman.

“The day I signed for Lyon I could not believe it so, if as expected, I sign for Barcelona on Friday I will be in the same state of mind. It really is a dream come true.

“I spoke on the phone with Henry. He called me during the holidays to tell me that he would sign for them, so I did the same when I knew I would sign,” concluded the former Monaco defender.

Abidal, who joined Lyon from Lille in 2004, is expected sign a four-year contract with the Blaugrana, who have agreed to pay the French champions around £10m

Break a leg at Barca rolleyes.gif
Portman
Jun 29 2007, 02:12 PM
C*nt.

Just hope Madrid buys Robben to r*pe you next season.
dst
Jun 29 2007, 02:19 PM
QUOTE (Abidal)
"Today Italy is not my aim. Maybe when I am older I will change my mind”

Am I the only one who thinks that's kinda funny? biggrin.gif

Anyways... I hope for Zambrotta now!
Tennie
Jun 29 2007, 02:20 PM
Eh. He's still bitter about the World Cup. wink.gif His loss.
Rossoneri7
Jun 29 2007, 02:22 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ Jun 29 2007, 04:20 PM)
Eh. He's still bitter about the World Cup. wink.gif His loss.
*


Haha yeah king.gif
kurtsimonw
Jun 29 2007, 02:30 PM
Why would Milan want him? huh.gif

I think I'm insulting my mom putting her in the same sentence as him, but, she is a better left back than he is. Without him, France would have undoubtedly won the World Cup. wink.gif
Rossoneri7
Jun 29 2007, 02:38 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 29 2007, 04:30 PM)
Why would Milan want him?  huh.gif

I think I'm insulting my mom putting her in the same sentence as him, but, she is a better left back than he is. Without him, France would have undoubtedly won the World Cup.  wink.gif
*


You keep saying that, when in reality he is one of the best left backs out there .. Well, if I am gonna go by your logic, then Iaquinta is one of the best Italian strikers .. so I get where ur coming from tongue.gif
redbabies
Jun 29 2007, 02:48 PM
Henry snubbed Milan, Suazo did it also, and now Abidal rolleyes.gif

Who are those players that want to come to us after we became European Champions, Mr. Ancelotti?

Ibrahim Ba?
kurtsimonw
Jun 29 2007, 02:51 PM
QUOTE
Well, if I am gonna go by your logic, then Iaquinta is one of the best Italian strikers .. so I get where ur coming from

biggrin.gif

I don't like Abidal as a player at all, usually I'll insult a player when I don't like him, but Abidal? I don't hate him at all.

At Villa, I'd personally keep the left back we already have over him. Freddie Bouma owns. wink.gif

As for Milan. Jankulovski is better than him, and I'd much prefer to bring Zambrotta in over him. smile.gif
Rossoneri7
Jun 29 2007, 02:59 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 29 2007, 04:51 PM)
biggrin.gif

I don't like Abidal as a player at all, usually I'll insult a player when I don't like him, but Abidal? I don't hate him at all.

At Villa, I'd personally keep the left back we already have over him. Freddie Bouma owns.  wink.gif

As for Milan. Jankulovski is better than him, and I'd much prefer to bring Zambrotta in over him.  smile.gif
*


Zambrotta is the ideal player to solve our wb problems ... But Janku is no left back. Sure he was great this season and he has showed solid performances, but he is a left winger or left midfielder naturally. In that case, Abidal is a dedicated left back. I have envied Lyon for having him. I don't know why you would think anything otherwise, but I guess you haven't seen him play much .. Well, you'll see what I mean next season wink.gif
kurtsimonw
Jun 29 2007, 03:11 PM
QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Jun 29 2007, 01:59 PM)
Zambrotta is the ideal player to solve our wb problems ... But Janku is no left back. Sure he was great this season and he has showed solid performances, but he is a left winger or left midfielder naturally. In that case, Abidal is a dedicated left back. I have envied Lyon for having him. I don't know why you would think anything otherwise, but I guess you haven't seen him play much .. Well, you'll see what I mean next season wink.gif
*

I can't say I've seen THAT much of him. I thought he was okay in the CL, I wasn't impressed at all at the World Cup though or in the league so much, maybe I was trying to compare him to the great Bixente too much. cool.gif

His downfall in the league may be that it's very uncompetitive for Lyon, the players would lose interest. Ah well, maybe he'll prove me wrong now he gets to play at a top club. He could solve their left back problem, Zambrotta for me is best at right back and the likes of Gio and Slyvinho, while good, aren't good enough for Barca at the left back position.
Zed.D
Jun 29 2007, 03:25 PM

Who's Abidal? Fvck Abidal!

I still haven't forgotten his mistake in Milan-Lyon game which handed us the second goal! it's simple: he's not Milan-class. now we can get Zambrotta king.gif .
Fillipo Simone
Jun 29 2007, 03:47 PM
Loosing Abidal isnt very alarming,...but the fact that he rejected an offer from us is, I belive,...

I think many of it got to do with the bad reputation of Italian football in general. I mean, the class of the Seria A sinks constantly. There was a time when every single championship presented three or even four contenders, and minimal 8 teams fighting for a European spot. There was a time were practically every good player played or wanted to play in Italy.

Nowdays the best foreign players, with Kaka and Ronaldo as the only real exemptions, play in England, Spain or even Germany. Pretty soon Italian clubs will be on the level of the Bundesliga - one or two of them could compete in Europe (Milan-Juve) the rest of them stays limited to league and cup success. Honestly, look at Spain - the UEFA cup shows it - Alaves, Espanyol, Osasuna and especially Sevilla all make top results there. Does someone expect that from Empoli, Sampdoria or Fiorentina? No,... sad.gif
kurtsimonw
Jun 29 2007, 04:23 PM
It's just a cycle, don't worry. wink.gif

Spanish teams may be doing well in the UEFA Cup, but it's their turn.

The late 70s/early 80s was English dominated, 6 or so European Cups were won.

The 90s Italian teams dominated, Milan and Juve made countless finals between them in the European Cup, winning a few trophies. Not to mention how well Inter/Parma/Juventus were faring in the UEFA Cup year after year.

Late 90s/Early 20th century is Spains turn. Real and Barca have won 4 European Cups between them, and a few lesser sides have won the UEFA Cup.

It'll all go round again, Germany/France and whoever else, no offense to their leagues, as good as they are they don't have the great history, which is why they often struggle to attract/keep good players.
misha
Jun 29 2007, 04:38 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 29 2007, 06:23 PM)
It's just a cycle, don't worry. wink.gif
*

Yep. In a couple of years things would be different. It's natural.
Warchant
Jun 29 2007, 04:42 PM
so basically he chose barca because henry chose barca

i guess some people aren't man enough to make their own decisions
Fillipo Simone
Jun 29 2007, 06:32 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 29 2007, 04:23 PM)
It's just a cycle, don't worry. wink.gif

It'll all go round again, Germany/France and whoever else, no offense to their leagues, as good as they are they don't have the great history, which is why they often struggle to attract/keep good players.
*

Maybe you are right, it is probably a cycle,...

But France and Germany not having a great history? Mhm, I think the only reason is money...

Marseille, Monaco, PSG, Saint-Ettienne, Bordeaux; Bayern München, B. Dortmund and Mönchengladbach, HSV,...all clubs with respectable (I get you, its not the reputation Milan or Real have, but still,...) history,..
whoarethepatriots
Jun 29 2007, 06:42 PM
Spain is an inferior league to Italy and England be honest

There was a period of time where none of the top teams won two matches in a row, considering the pathetic season R.M had and they still ended up winning says it

8 losses people

Inter lost not many

Man Utd lost 5 Chelsea 3
kurtsimonw
Jun 29 2007, 06:47 PM
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jun 29 2007, 05:32 PM)
Maybe you are right, it is probably a cycle,...

But France and Germany not having a great history? Mhm, I think the only reason is money...

Marseille, Monaco, PSG, Saint-Ettienne, Bordeaux; Bayern München, B. Dortmund and Mönchengladbach, HSV,...all clubs with respectable (I get you, its not the reputation Milan or Real have, but still,...) history,..
*

They may have a decent history as a league, but not compared to the big three.

European Cups
Spain - 11: Real (9) and Barcelona (2)
Italy - 11: Milan (7), Inter (2) and Juventus (2)
England - 10: Liverpool (5), United (2), Forest (2) and Villa (1)
Germany - 6: Bayern (4), Dortmund (1) and Hamburg (1)
France - 1: Marseille (1)

UEFA Cup
Spain - 11: Barcelona (3), Valencia (3), Real (2), Sevilla (2) and Zaragoza (1)
Italy - 10: Juventus (3), Inter (3), Parma (2), Roma (1) and Napoli (1)
England - 10: Liverpool (3), Spurs (2), Leeds (2), Arsenal (1), Ipswich (1) and Newcastle (1)
Germany - 6: Monchengladbach (2), Eintracht (1), Leverkusen (1), Schalke (1) and Bayern (1)
France - 0:

I didn't bother with the CWC. But I think you can tell the difference in success, Germany and France have only won 13 European trophies between them. The big 3 have almost won that amount in BOTH competitions.

Spain: 29 European trophies
Italy: 28 European trophies
England: 28 European trophies
Germany is the next best with 16. Quite a way off the pace.
Portman
Jun 29 2007, 06:53 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 29 2007, 06:47 PM)
They may have a decent history as a league, but not compared to the big three.

European Cups
Spain - 11: Real (9) and Barcelona (2)
Italy - 11: Milan (7), Inter (2) and Juventus (2)
England - 10: Liverpool (5), United (2), Forest (2) and Villa (1)
Germany - 6: Bayern (4), Dortmund (1) and Hamburg (1)
France - 1: Marseille (1)

UEFA Cup
Spain - 11: Barcelona (3), Valencia (3), Real (2), Sevilla (2) and Zaragoza (1)
Italy - 10: Juventus (3), Inter (3), Parma (2), Roma (1) and Napoli (1)
England - 10: Liverpool (3), Spurs (2), Leeds (2), Arsenal (1), Ipswich (1) and Newcastle (1)
Germany - 6: Monchengladbach (2), Eintracht (1), Leverkusen (1), Schalke (1) and Bayern (1)
France - 0:

I didn't bother with the CWC. But I think you can tell the difference in success, Germany and France have only won 13 European trophies between them. The big 3 have almost won that amount in BOTH competitions.

Spain: 29 European trophies
Italy: 28 European trophies
England: 28 European trophies
Germany is the next best with 16. Quite a way off the pace.
*

Er... you missed Portugal = 4 CL (2 from Porto + 2 from Benfica). And 1 UEFA Cup for Porto. Damn you English, never accepting the little southern country of Europe. biggrin.gif Snob c*nt.
jbryant1
Jun 29 2007, 06:53 PM
QUOTE (whoarethepatriots @ Jun 29 2007, 09:42 AM)
Spain is an inferior league to Italy and England be honest

There was a period of time where none of the top teams won two matches in a row, considering the pathetic season R.M had and they still ended up winning says it

8 losses people

Inter lost not many

Man Utd lost 5 Chelsea 3
*

Spain's solid. The competition is greater there than Italy or the Prem, you have the bottom 10 giving the top 10 a run for their money. The Prem is the worse of the bunch its the same 4 teams that dominate. Italy is the same but has some smaller teams that make things happen. Spain is more exciting league to watch in that they have a more attack oriented style. The Italian style is pretty much lazy 2/3 of the pitch and fast 1/3. Prem is just fast all around the of course the big teams are the only ones with the money and big names to really have technique or a real attack- otherwise its boring to watch.
kurtsimonw
Jun 29 2007, 06:57 PM
QUOTE (Porty @ Jun 29 2007, 05:53 PM)
Er... you missed Portugal = 4 CL (2 from Porto + 2 from Benfica). And 1 UEFA Cup for Porto. Damn you English, never accepting the little southern country of Europe. biggrin.gif Snob c*nt.
*

tongue.gif

Nah, I know Portugal have done okay in the past. France and Germany were the two being talked about.

Don't worry, we forgot Holland, too. wink.gif
jbryant1
Jun 29 2007, 06:59 PM
With this Abidal business he went to Barca not because of Henry but because its a solid organization that will be up in contention for the CL crown and Liga.
Its also an exciting place to be with all the players there and its an amazing city.

With Milan its a family enivornment but the dark side is its like the Mafia in that they will pick their favorites and stick with them. Unlike the mob Milan will not wack anybody out or get players out of there who aren't doing the job. If you look at our current roster of defenders 1/2 of them are just fossils rotting on the bench. Or its young players who have to wait until their made to get real play time. We should clean house and make it more attractive for young defenders to come.
misha
Jun 29 2007, 06:59 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 29 2007, 08:47 PM)
Spain: 29 European trophies
Italy: 28 European trophies
England: 28 European trophies
Germany is the next best with 16. Quite a way off the pace.
*

Germany is mostly Bayern who's of course belongs to the very top.
Fillipo Simone
Jun 29 2007, 06:59 PM
And what about Belgium and Holland?
kurtsimonw
Jun 29 2007, 07:02 PM
QUOTE (mishale @ Jun 29 2007, 05:59 PM)
Germany is mostly Bayern who's of course belongs to the very top.
*

Yeah. It's similar in Spain, too. They may have won the most European trophies, but unlike Italy and England, they've been won by very few teams.

Italy and England are clearly the best two leagues in my opinion. Spain and Germany only succeed through Real and Bayern in my opinion.
Milan Are Brilliant
Jun 29 2007, 09:06 PM
QUOTE (whoarethepatriots @ Jun 29 2007, 05:42 PM)
Spain is an inferior league to Italy and England be honest

There was a period of time where none of the top teams won two matches in a row, considering the pathetic season R.M had and they still ended up winning says it

8 losses people

Inter lost not many

Man Utd lost 5 Chelsea 3
*

What are you on? This league was amazing this season I used to think it was overrated but after following it and for it to go to the last day with 3 teams with the potential to win it was amazing.

The amount of losses just means it's far more competitive than any other league in the world.
Portman
Jun 29 2007, 09:13 PM
Spain's league not inferior compared to EPL or Serie A.

IMHO... Sevilla, Zaragoza, Valencia would easily beat any of Arsenal, Spurs, Bolton, Everton, Lazio, Palermo... just an example.
Fillipo Simone
Jun 29 2007, 09:26 PM
QUOTE (Porty @ Jun 29 2007, 09:13 PM)
Spain's league not inferior compared to EPL or Serie A.

IMHO... Sevilla, Zaragoza, Valencia would easily beat any of Arsenal, Spurs, Bolton, Everton, Lazio, Palermo... just an example.
*

Yeah, I bet they would,...
whoarethepatriots
Jun 29 2007, 09:31 PM
This season, La Liga was poor

Overall the leagues become strong in cycles like someone before me mentioned, right now the Premier League is very strong probably due to the money it has, Serie A wont be back to its glory for another few years, Juve need to be competitive etc, i would also like to see an equal distribution of income from Tv rights
kurtsimonw
Jun 29 2007, 11:00 PM
I think it's very hard to cross reference leagues.

Football makes it impossible to do that anyways.

Roma beat Milan
Milan beat United
United beat Roma

It doesn't work out. rolleyes.gif
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Invision Power Board © 2001-2024 Invision Power Services, Inc.