Moving to a rival club: How big a sin is it?

Finally, after endless speculation, comments, letters and analysis from fans, and comics, Manchester United‘s bid for Robin Van Persie has been accepted by Arsenal. This makes me wonder, and in some way, measure, how big a sin is it?

Here, I take a look at some big names that moved to their hated rivals (English League ONLY) and how they fared, and what I expect to become of RVP.

1.Ashley Cole and William Gallas

Chelsea paid William Gallas +5 million pounds for Ashley Cole.

Adored, and loved by Arsenal supporters, part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad, Ashley Cole was one happy man. But things soon turned sour when he and Arsenal hit a dead-end over a new contract. Unable to bridge the gap, Arsenal had to let him go. Rubbing salt in the wounds of Arsenal supporters, he chose Chelsea of all clubs, with William Gallas heading the other way, after threats ranging from refusing to train and play, and scoring own goals deliberately.

While Gallas has added yet another audacious transfer in his career- from Arsenal to Tottenham, Cole has developed into one of Chelsea’s key players, fan favorite, and one of the best left-backs in the world.

Trophies won before the transfer:

Ashley Cole: 3 FA Cups, 2 Premier League titles, 2 Community Shields

William Gallas: 2 Premier League titles, 1 League Cup, 1 Community Shield

Trophies won after the transfer:

Ashley Cole: 4 FA Cups, 1 Premier League title, 1 League Cup, 1 Community Shield, 1 UEFA Champions League

William Gallas: Nothing

Verdict:

Ashley Cole: Success – The move definitely paid off. Arsenal stopped winning trophies and Chelsea started to.

William Gallas: Fail – He won nothing at Arsenal and tarnished his image further by moving to Tottenham.

2. Michael Owen

Fee: Free agent

Perennially injured or out of form when fit while at Newcastle United, Michael Owen joined Manchester United on a free transfer in an attempt to finally win the League title, after failing to do so after almighty efforts for the Kop. His time at Manchester United is best remembered for his injury-time winner in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Trophies won at United:

1 Premier League, 1 League Cup, 1 Community Shield

Trophies won at Liverpool:

1 FA Cup, 1 Community Shield, 1 UEFA Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 2 League Cups

Verdict:

Not sure – Owen got what he came for – trophies (mainly the Premier League). But he hardly played a big role in securing it and had to settle for a spot on the bench.

3. Carlos Tevez

Fee: Involved a complex situation of ownership of player, with Corinthians, West Ham, and his agent staking their claim. The situation was resolved as Manchester City took complete ownership.

After some big performances for Manchester United, fans regularly displayed banners of “Fergie, sign him up permanently” to persuade Sir Alex. But for some unknown reasons, a player who declared he wanted to stay turned down the option, but instead chose to join the Manchester City revolution, thereby incurring the wrath of United fans. His latest “RIP Fergie” act dosen’t help either.

Trophies won at Manchester United:

2 Premier League titles, 1 League Cup, 1 Community Shield, 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 Club World Cup

Trophies won at Manchester City:

1 FA Cup, 1 Premier League title, 1 Community Shield

Verdict:

Success – Tevez may have made the right call in moving to Man City as last season’s triumph clearly signals a shift in power. He may contribute towards winning lot more titles with Manchester City, depending on whether or not he again takes a mid season vacation.

4. Yossi Benayoun

Fee: 7 million pounds

He moved from Liverpool to Chelsea and after a season plagued by injuries, Yossi felt he did not have the trust of new manager Andre Vilas Boas, and thus pushed for a move away from Chelsea. He completed a deadline day season long loan move to Arsenal.

Unfortunately, trophies have eluded him.

Verdict:

Not Sure – He was Liverpool’s key player, and in the one season he played at Chelsea, he was out injured for most part of it. A season at Arsenal helped as he got games regularly and played reasonably well. Just how much he is going to feature in Roberto di Matteo’s plans remains to be seen.

5. Fernando Torres

Fee: 50 million pounds

Who would have seen that coming? I wont dwell much on how he has fared for Chelsea so far, enough has already been said about it.

Trophies won at Liverpool:

No trophies

Trophies won at Chelsea:

1 FA Cup, 1 UEFA Champions League

Verdict:

Success – Readers may blame me for such a verdict, citing his form as the reason. But he won trophies, which was his basic intention, and seems to be hungry and raring to bang in the goals. We are going to see a rejuvenated Fernando Torres this season, which may finally justify his enormous transfer fee.

Now to Robin van Persie.

As we have seen, if winning trophies is the criterion to judge a transfer, it is all about timing, as we saw with the case of Ashley Cole and William Gallas. But it is up to the player to decide whether it should be at the cost of appearances, and form. Players like Nasri and Clichy, assured of a start every game, left, citing lack of trophies and now seem to have vindicated their decision. But how many games have they played in Manchester City winning the League though?

RVP seems to have chosen personal glory over loyalty to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. Surely, Arsenal fans will not forgive him. But is the pressure going to be too much to handle? What if he is benched? Rooney is and still will be the main man. RVP is only going to be a backup. What if he is frustrated by the lack of game time and ends up like Berbatov, wanting to leave but stuck? Is he going to become another of those who turned their backs towards the club which gave them so much, and count his wages on the bench? And what if he is injured again?

I feel Robin van Persie has made a big mistake in giving up on Arsenal and joining the enemy. He should have stayed, after the promising signings of Cazorla, Giroud and Podolski. Instead, he has readied himself to battle it out with Rooney, Hernandez, Welbeck and Berbatov (assuming he cannot secure a move out) and some of the youngsters for a start. From being the main among many at Arsenal, to one among many at United, he may feel the heat and regret his decision.

I may have got it all wrong, please forgive me. He may prove to perform even better than last season, his partnership with Rooney might deliver the title. Only time will tell. From my perspective, RVP, you will regret this.