Arsenal News 24/7Writer: Rocky7 
Date:Sunday October 22 2006
Time: 3:17AM
UK time is: 05:14:39
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Sidwell Grateful To Wenger
On the eve of a visit from his former club, Steve Sidwell has spoken about how grateful he is to Arsene Wenger for 'putting him on the map'.
Sidwell, an Arsenal supporter, was an Arsenal player for many a year but had the unfortunate predicament of having some of the finest players in the world ahead of him, and when Reading came in for him, Wenger wasn't going to stand in his way.
The Reading player is in stark contrast to previous young English players who have left our club, whilst they bitch in a child-like way, Sidwell has nothing but nice comments for Arsene Wenger.
'I will be the first to shake Mr Wenger's hand. I had the best education possible at Arsenal and he was open and honest with me when Reading came in three years ago.' said Sidwell.
'He could have told me to fight for my place but said that he couldn't guarantee me a first-team spot and urged me to move on and show people what I could do. So he helped to put me on the map and I'm grateful.'
It has also been said that upon Sidwell's departure, Arsene Wenger told the player he would be welcome back at anytime, and with Sidwell in his last year of his contract and not able to negotiate a new one, he may come back sooner than you'd think.
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Your Comments
These Sidwell stories have cropped up before. I think there's an interesting link between his last year of contract and them arising again. He's at least the equal of Flamini, thats for sure....and Flam made pretty stupid remarks, (imo) with the whole LB deal. Really, if you want to be in the first team, and youre chosen for another position....take the bloody chance...
Jammathon
I understand the sentiments regadring Flamini, but if you play in a certain position and consider it your best position, you'd naturally want to play there if first and foremost. The Flamster did a great job for us at lb last season, but he said he didnt feel comfortable there, maybe he should've been a bit more considered in his thoughts on the subject. Regarding Sidwell, it's refreshing to hear one of the ex-young gunners actually reflecting positively on his time at arsenal, and not slagging off Wenger for not giving them an extended runout simply because they're english. He left, knuckled down, worked hard and has risen to prominence, and Arsene has always been watchful of his progress.Maybe one day he may return to the fold...
»»Arsene Knows««
Wingston75
Its looking like that more and more. Sidwell lit up the Championship last year, and is probably coming in by the end of the year. Well, thats assuming he doesnt renew his contract.
Of course, it would only be fair to take him in if he were going to get a place in the side...or at least to compete with Gilberto. It wouldnt only be him, we also have Denilson and Flam, as well as Muamba coming back......geez. Do we need to buy players at all? :p...ha. As if.
Jammathon
We do not need to buy any players. We have a great team and plenty young players. If Sidwell is doing well with Reading, let him stay there and become a Reading legend. He will finish his career loved and cherished by Reading fans and rich. I think loyalty to a club is very important and a manager should only buy a player when he needs to to strengthen one aspect of the game. Good luck Sidwell and we love you for being a gunner first but make Reading a force to reckon with and you will achieve more there than you can ever achieve at Arsenal
chugoonerngu
well said chugoonerngu!
LondonGooner
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