All Hail Dudu..

Its Official folks. Our so very own Croazillion, has decided to elongate his stay@the Emirates, in what is believed to be a long term contract. The details of the same are still under the wraps, but this news is like a breath of fresh air for the Arsenal faithful, after the recent injury fiascos. Hope his stay is a goal-ful one and also that he finally exorcises the demons of Feb ‘08, St Andrew’s, by doing what he is best at: Goals, Goals and more Goals!

11Gunners celebrates Eduardo signing a new contract with Arsenal, RIGHT NOW..

Ever since he joined the Gunners from from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb in July 2007, he has been a supposed enigma. First the excitement which grew with each passing moment, when he was announced to be part of N5. Rumours of how this prolific out-and-out goal-poacher would survive@Arsenal, to his obvious silken finishing talents, were all afloat. After scoring 12 in his first 22 starts, plus a handful of assists to boot, the skeptics were put shut right then. What ensued was a story folklore’s are made up of.

A horrendous tackle from Taylor, in the game against Birmingham City at the St. Andrew’s, not only dislocated, rather dismantled his leg; but with it went the title aspiration’s of the Gunners that season. Arsenal drew four games on a trot and thus conceded a handsome 5 point lead at the top en route. It seemed, the omens were laid in that fateful February evening.

But Eduardo returned, almost Phoenix-like, scoring a creamer in the FA Cup. But it was too-little, too-late. Arsenal finished another season hovering around the Top 4 mark.

This season though, he has finally got rid of all the post-surgery/rehab niggles and looks fit as a fiddle now. He scored a brace the other day for Croatia, and now with Robin injured,will finally get a chance to prove his worth all over again. Just 3 starts this season might have irked him a little, but he’d prefer let his boots do the talking. That I’m sure.

This is what Wenger had to say on the above:

“We’re delighted that Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract with us. Eduardo is a special player with huge talent and natural goal scoring ability, and we’re all so happy that he has committed his future to Arsenal Football Club.”

“We have also seen in his come back from injury, Eduardo is a human being full of courage, bravery and commitment. His full recovery from this injury is a testament to Eduardo’s character. We all look forward to enjoying Eduardo’s performances in an Arsenal shirt for a long time to come.”

The Croazillion Ace added:

“I am very pleased to have signed a new long contract with the Club. I’m very happy and I hope to stay at Arsenal for as long as I can. This period is good for me now. I feel strong in my body and I feel ready to play 90 minutes every three days if it’s needed.”

“I went to Croatia last week and everybody was telling me Arsenal play the best football in Europe at the moment. I agree with that. We feel we are strong now this season and we’re all going to give everything to win trophies.”

Amen to that and his will-power, which is as brute as his finishing skills are otherwise! Hail Dudu..