Audacious...

Football never fails to surprise me. Year after year, the transfer windown in Europe makes me realise that money can buy anything, anytime!

Take last year for example, William Gallas, a true Chelsea player so far. He had given his all to the club. On the other hand, Ashley Cole, a Gunner to the core. So far, I have never imagined both these players quitting their respective clubs. Come August 31 2007, boom! A swap and Cole comes Chelsea way and Gallas heads for Emirates. Surprise, Surprise!

So come August 31 2008, I was again eagerly awaiting the last day of the transfer window. And this years surprise was much bigger than last years.
Picture this:
Robinho, Brazil's wonderkid and star player organises a press conference, asking for a transfer from Real Madrid to Chelsea. Chelsea had offered around 28 Million Pounds for this transfer. The deal was almost through as per all the leading tabloids and Robinho was on his way to Stamford Bridge.

Come Monday, the Abu Dhabi United Group gets a major stake in the Manchester City Football Club. And what is the first thing the new owner, Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim does?
Tables 4 bids for 4 different players:
30 Million Pounds for Berbatov.
32.5 Million Pounds for Robinho.
And 2 bids for Spanish player D. Villa and Germany M. Gomez.

Both the bids for Bebatov and Robinho were accepted. Can you imagine what Manchester United and Chelsea were thinking at this moment. Just 12 hours before they were the only players int he race and must have slept thinking the deal is almost through. And here comes the Billionaire from the Gulf and hits their plans for a home run.

Only thing is that Berbatov decided to head for Man U, even though his club had accepted the bid from Man City.
Robinho did not do any favors for Chelsea though. He signed for Man City. A scoop that Chlesea management folks will remember all their lives. A player stolen from right under their noses.

So what does all this mean? Well, Man City have loads of cash now. Their next target, as expectedly, Christiano Ronaldo. Asking Prices, hold your breadth. A little more. 250 Million $$!!!!!! And that Al-Fahim has said this is an OK price for Ronaldo.

Money can buy anything, hence proved.

This weekend in the English Premier League, Chelsea Vs Manchester City. Can you ask for something better?

Can't wait for the weekend, as always!!

Cheers,
Ashley