An unusual transfer rumour

This wasn't what I expected as a first blog entry on the Silly Summer Season 2011. Instead of a wild rumour about some faraway team offering zillions for one of Arsenal's stars, it's about a fringe player confirming his exit before having set his new destination.

Oh, Denilson, in this interview published on the Sun's website, you repeat what the Arsenal fans have been crying about over their beers all season. The only thing missing is yourself shouldering at least some of the responsibility.

"... we are still the best footballing side in Britain, we play beautiful football. Only Barcelona do it better. But we don't win trophies. That's so frustrating, you can't imagine how frustrating.

"Arsenal is a great club, we have a great manager and so many talented players. So we should be collecting silverware. And there are no excuses for it.

"Some people say we don't succeed because we are too young and naive - but that's no excuse.

Denilson has Wenger's permission to leave. He makes it clear that he won't even stay overnight in London after the Fulham game on Sunday. He gets straight on the plane home to Brazil, hoping to be sold to Spanish or Italian football.

Thanks for the five seasons. But don't shut the door on the way out, others may follow.