Ashley Cole and the Real Deal

Have you ever noticed those subtle variations in the field of weather prediction, depending on which forecast you watch or read? Or the way the horoscopes fluctuate, according to which astrologer you consult?

It’s the same with football. Take Arsenal’s Ashley Cole for instance. He’s been sidelined since October and is only just regaining full fitness, with the prospect of a return to first team action early in February. Throughout this absence, his frustration has been exacerbated by continuing rumours linking him with Real Madrid as Roberto Carlos’ successor.

Are they just rumours? Is it a case of ‘no smoke without fire’? Like the weather forecasts and the horoscopes, it depends where you go for your information. Arsenal fans were overjoyed to hear recently that Ashley was looking forward to running out with Arsenal next season in the wonderful new Emirates Stadium. Even more so when they read extracts from a reported statement from Real declaring that: “The club wishes to clarify that at no time has Real Madrid confirmed via any official spokesman that it has made a move for Ashley Cole or any other player” and adding: “Due to the excellent and fluid relations which exist between Arsenal and Real Madrid, the English club would always be first to know of any possible interest regarding any of its players.”

Extremely comforting and highly encouraging. Until someone tells you they’ve just looked at Ceefax, Friday 13th February, where there’s an item suggesting that the Spanish club have admitted they are keen to sign Ashley in the summer, and quoting a Real spokesman as saying: “Ashley Cole will be one of the players for whom Real Madrid is going to bid at the end of the season.” And to make matters worse, someone else points out helpfully that they’ve just read something similar in The Independent.

Faced with that kind of confusion, all Arsenal fans can do is trust in Ashley Cole’s love for the club, just as they did for Thierry Henry.

And forget about the weather. Or the stars.