2. Motivation (i.e. hes not worth the money)
So £60,000 a week is disrespectful? I wonder if he nearly crashed his car, a la Ashley Cole? For a man who has only played four times this season, and appeared in less than half Arsenals games last season, demanding a pay rise takes some balls. Add in his age, Arsenals current standing, and Sagnas inconsistent performances, and you begin to wonder what world Sagna lives in. However, a look at the quotes Sagna gave
the Daily Telegraph in September gives an indication of what motivates Sagna now:
Today there is a lot of money in football and that takes priority in a lot of decisions.
While it is fanciful to think footballers consider events in the real world and the struggles of the everyday joe, it is also unrealistic for us fans to think players should not seek the best deal possible, and given Sagna turns 30 in February his next contract is likely to be his last big deal. If he does not sign a new contract at Arsenal he can enjoy a big signing on fee if he moves on a bosman in 18 months time. Sagnas time at Arsenal has coincided with their barren spell in terms of trophies, so if he is going to stick around picking up medals is not going to be at the fore of his mind. Arsenal, however, must ask if Sagna is part of their trophyless problem, and if he did not help them win competitions before, will he be motivated to help them win when hes guaranteed to get paid the big bucks? Having had two leg breaks already, will he be 100% committed to the Gunners cause? The full back position lacks the glamour of the striker, playmaker, even central defender, and as a result Sagna will not be valued in the highest wages brackets. The money he wants might not just be out of Arsenals reach, it may not be realistic on any level. Do Arsenal really want a player seeing out his contract, waiting for his big pay day somewhere else? Can they offer the years as well as the pay rise Sagna wants? Should they? I dont think so, and with no solution in sight a parting of the ways seems the best course of action.