Reports in Tuesday’s Independent have claimed that Zenit St Petersburg would be willing to offer Andrei Arshavin an escape from Arsenal and a return to Russia. It seems most Arsenal fans wouldn’t shed too many tears if the midfielder was to leave this summer, especially to a club that offers no threat domestically or in Europe. Arsene Wenger would probably try and keep the Russian if one of Europe’s elite clubs came in for the player but a return to Zenit could represent a good deal for Arsenal.
The Independent reports that Andrei Arshavin would be welcomed back to the club with open arms and that the Russian could be the first of many to be shown the door at the Emirates following yet another trophy-less season for Arsenal.
Sporting director Igor Korneev told talkSPORT: “Zenit’s doors are always open for Andrei. If his situation at Arsenal does not improve and he’s not comfortable in London, we can study this issue in time for next season.”
To most fans it seems crazy that Arsenal would want to sell a player that offers so much when he is on his game. There have been games where Arshavin has been totally unplayable and although he has been inconsistent this season, in the big games he has shown his true talents. Without a doubt Arsenal need a shake up this summer but surely the Gunners need to get their priorities straight this summer. He was not the reason Arsenal failed this season, although he seems to be a convenient scapegoat for some fans. Can Arsenal really afford to lose what Arshavin brings to the squad?
He has scored six times in thirty three games, but impressively has claimed 12 assists. In any league and in any team that can’t be sniffed at. If you take those assists away from Arsenal this season, would they have challenged at the top for so long? When you consider that Gareth Bale, the PFA Player of the year, has only contributed seven goals with two assists in the Premier League, Andrey’s worth becomes more apparent.
Arshavin is a quality player and if Arsenal spend this summer it seems that they will look to finance deals with his departure. The Russian is too good a player to be warming the Arsenal bench, finding a system that suits Arshavin seems the most logical path to go down. He has been booed a few times this season and that may sway his decision to leave The Emirates. A return to Russia would demonstrate an easy route out for Arshavin, and a talent would be wasted. Arshavin should be playing in one of the top European leagues and competing for top European medals. Arsenal fans may miss him if he does decide to leave.
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Read more of Tom’s articles at the excellent This Is Futbol
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Here are the top 10 biggest World Cup 2010 disappointments so far:
10. Vuvuzelas
It is apart of the culture in African football but they are very annoying to hear throughout 90 minutes. To be fair it has died down a bit since the departure of the host nation but still manage to make an appearance in the remaining games. It’s disappointing only for the fact we don’t hear no football chants and crowd reactions towards certain decisions.
9. The Jabulani Ball
The Jabulani ball has taken some criticism since the tournament began over 2 weeks ago and by the evidence we have seen it deserved it. Many players who have played with the ball in South Africa have struggled to adapt with the new Adidas ball, claiming that it is to round…what do you want guys, a ball shaped like a square or something? It seems a bit of an excuse to me, however, having watched all the games in South Africa so far, it’s clear to see that it is very different from previous tournament balls. Players have misjudged the flight and bounce, as well as failing to really hit it properly (exclude Carlos Tevez of course). For those reasons stated above, it does make for disappointing viewing at times.
8. Fernando Torres – Not performing like he is capable of
The Spanish striker does not look like he is in the grove this summer as he has been in previous tournaments, and so far in this World Cup, Torres has not been able to find the back of the net. The Liverpool hitman does not look the same player prior to the competition beginning, and its visible to see that he is either unfit or has other things on his mind. Many (including me) thought that Torres would be amongst the other elite strikers in the world battling for the illustrious golden boot. Unfortunately this is not the case this year. Generally, Torres has been poor in South Africa, and for those who placed a bet on the 26-year-old to be top goal scorer of the tournament, well it looks like you guys have lost your money.
7. France – So much Talent, yet no cohesion
The French have got to be the biggest joke in world football today. So much talented stars like Franck Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff, Patrice Evra and Thierry Henry yet they failed in what was one of their worst World Cup campaigns for a number of years. Raymond Domenech was useless as ever as the French manager, and trouble within the camp prior to the tournament and during it certainly didn’t help the cause either. A number of problems caused the Les Bleus to underachieve and evidently failed miserably in their attempt to qualify to the next round. It’s disappointing because we expected better performances from some of the players the football world has to offer, but instead everybody was sucked into the mayhem off the pitch. The FFF has a big crisis on their hands.
6. Didier Drogba – Not seen as much as we expected
The Chelsea hitman had a great season for the West London club and was tipped to be amongst the contenders for the golden boot. Unfortunately, during a friendly game against Japan a week before the commencement of the World Cup, the Ivory Coast striker broke his arm. Drogba struggled and many thought he was out of the tournament. However, the 32-year-old recovered in time and managed to appear in all of the Ivory Coast matches. He only scored one goal against Brazil but this was only a consolation. Africa’s star man was not 100% fit and because of this, he was unable to replicate what he did last season in this years World Cup. A big disappointment for the continent of Africa in whole.
Check out the top 5 on page 2, click here
5. Cesc Fabregas – Can’t get into starting XI
One of the best midfielders in the world, yet the 23-year-old Spaniard still can’t get into the starting eleven of the Spanish team. Many fans of the player (along with me) find it hard to believe that the Arsenal captain still cannot feature in the starting line-up in this summer at the World Cup. Fans may say that it’s because Spain acquire too much creativity in the midfield already, so there is no need for Cesc to start, which is maybe a fair statement. However, Fabregas could get in the team if Del Bosque alters a few players around. Instead of playing Sergio Busquets who plays as the anchor midfielder in the team, Xabi Alonso should drop into this role, which would allow Fabregas to play along side Xavi in the centre, leaving Andres Iniesta and David Silva on the flank. Get Cesc in, we want to see him perform more in the World Cup.
4. Italy – Defending champions out after 3 games
The Italian national team were a big disappointment this summer in South Africa. The Defending world champions were tipped to qualify from their group which featured Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand, they didn’t succeed and were an embarrassment to say the very least. The Azzurri were poor in results and performances and only managed to conjure up 2 points and worst still, ended up bottom of the group. They are one of three World Cup teams that as world champions have failed to get through to the round of 16. The only bright note to take back to Italy this summer was Fabio Quagliarella’s audacious chipped goal which deceived the Slovakian goalkeeper, other than that, Italy were poor and many expected better.
3. Referees – Bad Calls
There have been a number of bad refereeing decisions in the World Cup, four instantly come into mind. German striker Miroslav Klose received his marching orders for two ridiculous bookings against Serbia. The challenges deemed to be fouls but they do not justify two yellows and a red card. Another incident was when USA faced Slovenia. USA had a massive goal disallowed in the 85th for absolutely nothing, thankfully for the US fans it didn’t really matter in the end. Mexico were hard done by against Argentina this week when Carlos Tevez netted a goal from a visible offside position, which the officials failed to spot, and of course who could forget what happened to England this past Saturday. England were cruelly disallowed a clear over the line goal against Germany which has called for goal line technology to be introduced. A fair amount of refs have done well, but others have spoilt many promising games this summer…sort it out FIFA.
2. Wayne Rooney – Does it for club but not his country
Wayne Rooney alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world…Do me a favour. The England international was a ghost of the player we saw last season at United, and was clearly one of the worst performers in an England jersey this summer. The 24-year-old bagged 34 goals in all competitions for the Red Devil’s, and was in scintillating form leading up to the World Cup this summer. For some reason he did not perform and failed to even net a goal in South Africa…360 minutes on the pitch and nothing to show for it, garbage.
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1. England – Over hyped and underachievement at its finest
This is definitely the biggest disappointment (if you support the national team of course) the World Cup has seen this year. The Three Lions were so disappointing this summer that they made Greece look brilliant. England had arguably one of the easiest groups in the World Cup yet they couldn’t beat USA and Algeria and barely beat Slovenia. They scraped through the group behind USA who finished top (what a joke) and were faced with the task of Germany in the last 16 this past Saturday. Fans, the media and pundits alike all thought they were going to smash Germany and rip them apart…what happened? England got taught a massive lesson in how to actually play football. Too many overrated and overpaid player’s in the squad and there was simple no excuse for the way they played in South Africa. Fabio Capello and the English players all share the responsibility of coming home earlier than expected. Absolute joke and believe me or not, that’s me being nice.
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Click on image below to see the BRAZILIAN babes at the World Cup
With Barcelona once again declaring any movement for Fabregas is dead and buried, one can only assume that they are organizing a bid as we speak. The Spanish giant has been trying in vain to prize the Arsenal playmaker back to his spiritual home for years and with Xavi not getting any younger their desire for Fabregas can only be fermenting rather than floundering.
Even with such talent as Wilshere and Song, the huge fee demanded by Arsenal would give Wenger the license to make an uncharacteristically expensive signing in order to attempt to fill the void left by the Gunners’ talisman. So, in no particular order, let’s have a look at the talent on offer:
1. Jordan Henderson
Sunderland’s young player of the year has gone from strength to strength in the past two years after impressing on loan at Coventry. With Man United’s interest public knowledge along with a reported “host” of clubs keeping tabs on the 20 year old it would be optimistic to say that he will still be at Sunderland come the start of next season.
Described by FIFA as “composed, athletic and powerful” he was listed in their 2011 shortlist of 13 players to watch. A tireless performer he can also be utilized on the right side of midfield but prefers to play through the centre. A perfect candidate for Arsenal’s coaching staff with their tremendous record of cultivating young talent.
He’s struggling with form as of late but there is no doubt that the old cliché rings true when it’s said of Henderson that his class is permanent. The problems arise with the transfer fee Sunderland would demand – rumoured to be north of £20 million. The endemic inflation in value of domestic talent within teams of the same league may prove too much of a stumbling block for Wenger’s frugal personality as well as the lack of Champions League experience.
2. Marek Hamsik
The two time young Slovak player of the year plies his trade in Italy at Serie A club Napoli and has impressed since joining in 2007. An extremely gifted playmaker he has an eye for goal and has already chalked up 8 league goals this season for Napoli. He is known for his fascinating ability to read the game together with his sound anticipation.
Probably one of the favourites to sign for Arsenal if Fabregas goes, he would paradoxically be one of the most expensive after signing a contract extension keeping him tied to the Azzurri until 2015. His valuation is reportedly around the €40 million mark (£34 million) which seems extreme but given that Arsenal would be likely to receive the same amount, if not more, for Fabregas it would be a good deal.
The 23 year old is the most like for like replacement on the market but with Napoli performing well in the league Hamsik may intend to lead his club into the Champions League next year. If he does indeed sign for Arsenal he would be a great addition not only to the London club but also to the Premier League – plus he is fantastic on Football Manager so he has to be amazing, right?
Continued on Page TWO
3. Eden Hazard
Lille’s 20 year old midfield sensation has been on the Gunner’s radar for some time now and the sale of Fabregas would act as the catalyst upon which interest would evolve into action. A member of the 2010 Ligue 1 Team of the Year as well as the first international player to be voted the best young player of the season, Hazard has exciting potential.
Zinedine Zidane said of Hazard: “he will be a major star in the future”, adding that he would buy him “with his eyes shut.” Not bad coming from one of the greatest midfielders the game has ever seen. He has 17 caps already for Belgium and is known for the accuracy of his passing and the mesmerizing skill he possesses. Definitely one for the romantics of the game, he would fit into Arsenal’s ethos on the pitch beautifully.
Another player who recently signed a contract extension Hazard has another three years on his existing contract and wouldn’t be an easy target with Lille desperate to hold onto him. Sitting top of Ligue 1, Lille look set to qualify for the Champions League next season and Hamsik may wish to gain some vital experience whilst in France before moving on to pastures new.
4. Yoann Gourcuff
Signed by Lyon Last year the former French player of the year has been hailed as the new Zinadine Zidane for his playing style. The reasons for this may lie within the fact that he took over the role of playmaker for France – the first player to do so since Zidane retired back in 2006.
Loaned to Bordeaux by AC Milan, Gourcuff went on to win the double with the French side and was instrumental in the success. That was enough for the newly crowned champions to trigger the 24 year olds’ release clause of €15 million much to the disappointment of his parent club. Christophe Dugarry said that he had been “cured” by watching Gourcuff play since feeling sick since Zidane retired.
Last season was disappointing for Bordeaux and they failed to qualify for Europe which, and Arsenal should take heart from this, led to his departure to Lyon for €22 million. With Lyon struggling in the league this year and European Qualification again hanging in the balance Wenger would have a good chance of getting his man if they fail to earn their place on the European stage. Somewhere around the €30 – 35 million mark should be too tempting for both Lyon and Gourcuff.
5. Alan Dzagoev
Not exactly a name you would expect to find on a Russian mans birth certificate; the 20 year old is a technically sound midfielder who enjoys getting forward and scoring goals. He was voted the best young player of the year by the Russian Football Union in 2008 and is currently turning out for CSKA Moscow.
A vocal presence on the pitch Dzagoev is an enthusiastic, encouraging player and happens to be the youngest outfield player ever to play for Russia. When Real Madrid came calling three years ago he distanced himself from rumours insisting that should he move he would like to go to his favourite club, Chelsea. Might playing in the same league as them do for Dzagoev?
With Champions League experience under his belt he would be a solid signing for Arsenal and would be pleased to be working with fellow Russian international Arshavin. With his contract set to run out in 2012 Dzagoev would also provide the cheapest option should Wenger wish to pursue that route. Just for a bit of random trivia good old Alan shares the same birthday with fellow shortlister Jordan Henderson.
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Click HERE to see the original article. This article was first published on TransferTavern
Everton boss David Moyes has revealed that Nigeria international Yakubu was keen to leave the club in the summer.
West Ham United made a bid of £6million for the former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough forward but Moyes rejected it immediately.
"He'd have liked to leave but we never received an offer high enough," former Preston North End boss Moyes told The Sun.
"Because of that, he's never really got himself in the right frame of mind. But now his focus is much better and so is his training. He did well when he came on last week.
"We thought he was worth more than the £6million we were offered – then the next one came in at £5million!
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"Yak has a great scoring record in the Premier League and I hope he'll prove that with more goals. He's back in contention to play, though I'm not sure yet about playing 90 minutes."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Lazio boss Edy Reja said a positive attitude is the key if his side is to defeat city rivals Roma in their derby at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.Reja’s side have had the better of their arch nemesis this season, with Lazio currently two spot ahead of Roma on the Serie A table in fourth position.But despite their good form, they have not beaten Roma in their last four attempts, and Reja said they must believe in themselves if they are to win the three points on Sunday.”We need to go on the pitch with the right determination and being convinced we can win the game,” Reja said.”We’ve always had this attitude, with care and intelligence and taking into consideration Roma’s qualities.””They will do their best because they know it will be essential for them to win, if they want to have some hope to do the Champions League next year. Our aim will be not to let them do it.”
Wolves could be set to make big moves in January and bring former favourites Joleon Lescott and Robbie Keane back to Molineux.
Robbie Keane has fallen down the pecking order at Tottenham and now looks certain to leave in January with Aston Villa, Blackburn and Birmingham also interested in the Republic of Ireland star. Keane has over 100 Premier League goals and 45 international goals to his name and at the age of 30 looks to still have a lot of offer in England’s top flight.
Joleon Lescott is another player reportedly on Mick McCarthy’s Christmas wishlist. The defender who cost Manchester City over £20 millon in 2009 has struggled to secure a first team place at Eastlands this season and is seeking a move to put himself back on Fabio Capello’s radar.
Both players graduated from Wolves’ academy and became firm favourites with the Molineux crowd, with many considering Lescott to be the finest player to wear a Wolves shirt in the last 10 years. The possibility of the return of Joleon Lescott would be a massive boost for Wolves who have conceded 30 goals already this season.
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While Keane and Lescott would certainly help Wolves’ survival bid, money could prove to be the stumbling block for both deals. It is likely that Wolves would need to break their wage structure in order to secure both signings and the fee for both players would be around the £17 million mark.
Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of Juventus v Man City and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!
When a 34 year old Sol Campbell signed a five-year deal with then League Two side Notts County twelve months ago, nobody would have been ridiculed for claiming the former England centre half had had his day.
After playing just one game for County – an away defeat at Morecambe the defender left by mutual consent.
The move was a statement of intent from Notts County’s consortium which they hoped would attract other players of a similar calibre to the club for promotion but Campbell grew dismayed about the lack of investment which was promised at Meadow Lane from secretive owners Munto Finance. Unconvinced by the clubs long-term aims, after just 29 days with them he left due to a lack of faith leaving himself and everyone else wondering where next for the man with two Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his career.
This however was before Arsene Wenger offered him a chance to rehabilitate his career at Arsenal.
Campbell appeared 14 times for Arsenal scoring his first goal in his second stint at the club with a headed goal against Porto in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 and it was here that he put himself back on the market due to injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas towards the end of the season.
Despite being offered a new deal by Arsenal, his move to Newcastle was finally completed after numerous top-flight clubs were vying for a signature which would bring experience, quality, and leadership to any defence. For Campbell the huge transition from “washed up League Two footballer” to a player that has every chance of disdaining those who criticised him.
It comes as a welcome relief to Chris Hughton who will be without Steven Taylor for the start of the season due to a shoulder injury and the increased likelihood of first-team football may also have been pivotal in Campbell’s decision.
His importance to Newcastle is immeasurable considering his substantial pedigree, not only in terms of leadership but also with regards to having an experienced head around the dressing room in order to help guide other additions such as James Perch through his Premier League berth.
Newcastle begin at Manchester United on the 16th August and in the absence of Taylor, Campbell’s Premier League know how will be vital at Old Trafford.
Campbell said: “At this stage of my career I couldn’t have wished for a better move. To join a club such as Newcastle United, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me.
“I’d like to thank Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and aim to repay him and the supporters by giving everything I possibly can to help re-establish this great club in the top tier of English football.” (Sun)
The move follows what is undoubtedly the most turbulent seasons of Campbell’s career and this may well prove to be the right Magpies move for him working under Chris Hughton who knows all about the defender from their time together at Tottenham.
Whatever path Campbell’s career may follow, he is evidently relishing another crack at the Premier League and has come a long way since his departure from Notts County. His importance to Newcastle is immeasurable considering his substantial pedigree, not only in terms of leadership but also with regards to having an experienced head around the dressing room in order to help guide other additions such as James Perch through his Premier League berth.
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Newcastle begin at Manchester United on the 16th August and in the absence of Taylor, Campbell’s Premier League know how will be vital at Old Trafford.
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
With Rafa Benitez and Liverpool deciding to part company, the big debate now raging on the forums is to who will take over the reins for the coming season. Kenny Dalglish is the man tasked with finding the right man, although many supporters and those within the media believe that the Anfield Legend is the right man to take the role.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Liverpool blogs which has included…Aquilani’s honesty is refreshing; the five men rumoured to replace Benitez and Liverpool’s situation may get worse before it gets better.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week.
WAG IDOL – The Liverpool Heat
Aquilani’s honesty is extremely refreshing
£5m pot leaves Rafa with a transfer dilemma
The FIVE men rumoured to replace Rafael Benitez
Liverpool’s situation may get worse before it gets better
Gerrard should call time on his Liverpool career
Which club represents the right move for Cole?
The TEN World Cup starlets set to have the Premier League scouts flocking
The Top 5 Worst Pundits in the English game
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Best of Web
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Why Stevie G Needs a Big World Cup – This is Anfield
Thanks Rafa, YNWA – Kopblog
Benitez is bailing out and LIVERPOOL FC is still sinking – Well Red
Dalglish is the only choice to end this sad mess – Times
If Liverpool get this wrong, they are heading for oblivion – Daily Mail
Andres Iniesta's late extra-time goal proved decisive as Spain became world champions for the first time after securing a 1-0 victory in an ill-tempered encounter against the Netherlands.
Spain deserved to add the World Cup to the Euro 2008 title they picked up two years ago as they created the better chances in an at times tetchy final.
No fewer than 13 players were booked, eight of them Dutch, while Johnny Heitinga was sent off in extra time.
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque opted to start with Pedro rather than Fernando Torres in attack in an unchanged starting line-up from the semi-final victory against Germany.
The Dutch, who had won every game in South Africa before the final and also had a 100 per cent record in qualifying for the tournament, made two changes to the side that started the semi-final win against Uruguay as Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong returned from suspension to replace Khalid Boulahrouz and Demy De Zeeuw.
The clearest chance of a dire first half fell to Spain in the sixth minute when Maarten Stekelenburg was forced to make a smart stop to keep Sergio Ramos' fine header out.
The Dutch worked hard to stop Spain getting in to their close passing stride and it worked for the rest of the first period as the favourites failed to create any more clear openings.
Five yellow cards in 13 minutes midway through the first half stopped the flow of the game while Nigel de Jong was fortunate not to see red after catching Xabi Alonso in the chest with his studs.
Holland's main tactic appeared to be to get the ball to Arjen Robben and then see what the Bayern Munich winger could do and it almost paid off in first-half stoppage time when his low drive forced Iker Casillas to make a fine stop at his near post.
The match improved in the second half and, after chances were missed at both ends, the Netherland should have taken the lead just after the hour mark when Wesley Sneijder's pass cut the Spanish defence to shreds.
Robben ran on to the ball and waited for Casillas to commit himself before shooting goalwards. Unfortunately for Robben, the ball hit the goalkeeper on the foot as he went the wrong way and was diverted away for a corner.
In the 69th minute David Villa seemed certain to score when Heitinga missed a cross. The Barcelona man forced the ball goalwards but van der Wiel somehow managed to clear it off the line.
Spain created an even clearer opening nine minutes later when Xavi's corner found Ramos who was completely unmarked ten yards out but he somehow headed the ball over the bar.
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In the 83rd minute Robben outpaced Carles Puyol and ran clear but once again Casillas denied the Bayern star.
In extra time substitute Cesc Fabregas saw his shot saved by Stekelenburg's legs while the unmarked Joris Mathijsen wasted a good chance for the Dutch.
In the 109th minute Heitinga was sent off for hauling Iniesta back after Xavi had played the ball forward but it was Iniesta who had the final say.
Fabregas set up the inspirational Barcelona side who thumped the ball home with only four minutes left to deservedly hand the trophy to Spain for the first time.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
South Korean midfielder Park Ji-Sung will retire from international football effective immediately.
Park’s retirement was announced by his national team coach, Cho Kwang-Rae, on Friday after South Korea beat Uzbekistan 3-2 in the Asian Cup’s third place play-off match.
Park, 29, took no part in the match on doctor’s advice and will end his national career with exactly 100 caps while his national teammate, 33-year-old defender Lee Young-Pyo, has also played his last match of international football.
“I would like to say something about Park Ji-Sung and Lee Young-Pyo,” Cho said after the match.
“From today they are going to be retired from their national football careers. I want to say they did a remarkable job for Korean football and I want to say I have loved working with them.”
“It would be better if I could keep both of them in the national team but they have done an excellent job in international football and I’m sure the Korean fans would like to congratulate them for all their hard work. There are also many new players coming through.”
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Park’s retirement will come as no surprise and he will hold a press conference in Seoul on Monday to explain the reasons for his retirement.