Chamcuff at Arsenal? *prays*

from tribalfootball.com

Arsenal are moving for Bordeaux midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.

The Sunday Express says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has earmarked playmaker Gourcuff as the man to take the place of Cesc Fabregas.
And he is hoping an old pals’ act by Marouane Chamakh will help lure Gourcuff to London rather than Manchester, where City are also tracking the talented Frenchman.
Arsenal’s move for Gourcuff is a clear indication that the club are resigned to losing Fabregas to Barcelona in a deal which is expected to be worth up to £50m.
[end story]

I have real mixed feelings about this.  Number one, I'm not sure how real this is since the Daily Express was the source.  The thought of having Chamcuff photos once again would be dreamy, but then again I don't want to have United defending these two if they are both in form! 
We'll see what happens, but I can't see Yoann staying at Bordeaux.  No Champions League and no Laurent Blanc. 

Could these two be reunited in London?

Marouane is a Hero! Commercial

This is a strange commercial featuring Marouane as a hero who is responsible for...well making people cry and saving the world, basically.
He has a deal with this telcom, but it's still an odd commercial!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moL00_Hf4R4

Marouane and Wenger Speak!

Marouane was interviewed by Arsenal's online tv.  It's a shortened version of the entire interview because I'm not a member...United would revoke my membership on their site if they knew I was giving money to another club! ;)
But...I'm still a Marouane fan and I want him to do well, so here is a taste of le Chamakh:


http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/free-video-chamakh-speaks-to-tv-online

Here is a video of Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, talking about Marouane's signing.

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/free-video-wenger-on-marouane-chamakh

I'm So Proud of You Marouane!

A very touching video about Marouane's last match in Bordeaux...sniff sniff.

http://webtv.girondins.com/playerhd.php?comp=59&s5muid=4578&type=news&free&page=1&vdo=25040&debit=750

Chamakh Signs for Arsenal!

from arsenal.com

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Moroccan international striker Marouane Chamakh has joined the Gunners on a long-term contract.

Chamakh (26), who joins Arsenal from French side Bordeaux, made a total of 293 appearances, scoring 79 goals during his eight years with Les Girondins.
In the 2008/09 league campaign, Chamakh scored 14 goals, helping Bordeaux win the French League title, thus ending Lyon’s seven-year domination of Ligue 1. The Moroccan striker’s fine form continued last season, playing an integral role in helping Bordeaux reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, where they finished above both Bayern Munich and Juventus in the Group Stages.
Born and raised in France, but playing international football for Morocco through his parentage, Chamakh has made 53 appearances for the north African country, scoring 27 goals, and was part of the side which reached the Final of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
Manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are delighted that Marouane Chamakh has joined us. He is a player we have admired for some time now and I know he will provide our squad with great quality. Chamakh has proved he is a great player with his performances for Bordeaux and Morocco in recent seasons and we’re all looking forward to him joining us.
"Chamakh is a striker of real quality and has all the attributes suited to come to England and do very well. He is also a fighter, not only a good football player, but a fighter as well. He is very good in the air and also a good team player. He is a great addition to our squad.”
After completing his move to the Gunners, Chamakh said: “This is a dream come true and a great joy to be joining Arsenal. My goal was always to play in the Premier League and Arsenal was the choice of my heart.

“Without any hesitation, Arsenal was my preferred club. The team and history of Arsenal, they make me dream. My goal was to join Arsenal out of the all the English clubs because it is a club that makes me dream and I have been a fan since I was a child.
“I’m very excited about playing at Emirates Stadium in front of the Arsenal supporters. I have heard many great things about the stadium and I cannot wait to be playing there in an Arsenal shirt.
“I will give my best to this Club, the Club that I used to support. We have many great players at Arsenal and I will be giving everything to help the team win trophies next season.”

Ivan Gazidis, Chief Executive of Arsenal Football Club added: “Arsène has been following the progress of Marouane Chamakh for some time and has identified him as a player that will add significant strength to our squad. We’re delighted that Marouane has chosen Arsenal ahead of the many other clubs that were interested in him.”
Chamakh, who will wear the number 29 shirt for Arsenal, will join up with his new team-mates for pre-season training in July.

He kept the number 29 from Bordeaux!  Good boy, Marouane!

So weird to see him in Arsenal colors already!  Go Marouane

Bonne chance!

Here is the video of him posing with his new kit and Arsene Wenger

Chamakh in London for Arsenal Talks

from skysports

Chamakh holds Gunners talks


The Gunners have been tracking the Morocco international frontman for some time, with the player admitting recently that he was heading to Emirates Stadium.
It appears as though Arsene Wenger may finally be about to get his man, with the French coach recently confirming that an agreement was close.
Should he agree terms with Arsenal, Chamakh will move to England as a free agent as his contract at Bordeaux is set to expire.
The 26-year-old has been a regular source of goals in the French top flight over recent years and has often expressed a desire to test himself at a higher level.
He may be about to get that opportunity in the Premier League, with it seemingly only a matter of time before he secures a dream move to Arsenal.

Proposal

While the Gunners are delighted to be closing on a top target, Bordeaux have been left disappointed at the prospect of seeing their most potent attacking weapon head for pastures new.

Club president Jean-Louis Triaud has revealed that the Ligue 1 outfit did everything in their power to keep the African ace at Stade Chaban Delmas, but accepts there is nothing more he can do.

"We have proposed extensions to Marouane. Our first proposal was on January 1, 2009," he said.


"He said he never spoke to Arsene Wenger. But I find it strange that he could be recruited by Arsenal without talking to the coach.
"I have had two difficult transfers since I arrived: Wiltord and Chamakh. These two departures relate to Arsenal.

Affection

"Had he accepted our proposal, he could have improved his contract.

"I think he was surrounded and badly misguided. I did not appreciate at all how it went. As president, I resent it."

Triaud, though, has no personal animosity towards Chamakh.
He added: "Personally, I owe him all my affection. He is a lovely boy. He is a warrior and a fighter. He has not cheated.
"I wish him success at Arsenal. I will see him again with pleasure.

"I have great affection and gratitude for him. He brought a lot of things at the club. But I still don't appreciate the way he left."

[end story]

Skysports needs to do better research.  Marouane is not African, he is French-Moroccan.

Chamakh has stated many times that he would have stayed at Bordeaux had his team extended his contract last summer.  They chose to drag their feet, so he took this as a signal that he could look elsewhere.  Wenger had been an admirer so of course he saw Chamakh was not staying in Bordeaux and jumped at the chance to sign him.  When that happened, Triaud blocked the transfer.  This angered Marouane and he gave a scathing indictment of Bordeaux' handling of the affair.  If you're going to shackle a player by not offering him a contract, then you shouldn't block his transfer somewhere else.
Showing his dedication, he didn't "throw away" this season in anger, he played even harder and was by far the best player for Bordeaux.  So Triaud should thank him for being an upright person and not faking an injury or throwing games in disgust.
*anger face* Triaud is the one who has acted in a "misguided" way, not Marouane.  If you truly like a player and want him to stay, you do everything in your power to make him happy.  They left him twisting in the wind during the summer and waited UNTIL JANUARY to make it right.  How would that make you feel if you were Marouane?

At first I was sad that Marouane was leaving Bordeaux but after reading these moronic statements by their president, I'm glad he's leaving!
Come on, Marouane!  Make Arsenal proud!

This photo was taken last summer when Bordeaux were celebrating their Ligue 1 Championship with the city.  Triaud obviously appreciated Marouane's efforts...but not enough to extend his contract! :(

230: It's Officially Over

Today Marouane played his last match in a Marine et Blanc shirt.  The Girondins needed to win and then for several above them in the standings to lose if they were to have a chance at a Europa League spot next year.  It didn't happen.  Within the first five minutes the Girondins went down a man when captain Michael Ciani was sent off for a bad challenge.  Despite being down a man they kept the majority of possession throughout the match.  The score ended 4-3, with Wendel scoring twice for Bordeaux and an own goal by Lens.
It is sad to see them end this way.  Next season will mark the first time since 2005 that the Girondins will not be in European play.
Marouane played well today but it was difficult to find the net with one more Lens player clogging the box.
And so his time at Bordeaux came to an end...his 230th match in Ligue 1 play.

Now let's see what Marouane can do in the English Premier League.  I can't wait to find out!!

Marouane laughs with Ciani during his last training session with Bordeaux

Overwhelmed by one more man in the box

Fighting through the numbers, but it wasn't enough

Be Careful, Marouane

One thing footballers have in common is...too much money and not enough sense to understand it.
Such is the case with Marouane.  Here are the details:

The Bordeaux striker was summoned by the police.


No, Marouane Chamakh has not been heard in the context of the case Zahia D., but for a different story. According to Sudouest, the Bordeaux striker was recently heard in a case of laundering money from France to the Maroc. Chamakh is in the context of a case surrounding a former associate of the player. Felicia Patrick, charged with abuse of social goods, money laundering and aggravated concealed work, was summoned for his trial to explain his relationship with Chamakh. It said he had established a restaurant in Agadir with the player, named "L'ho of." But Felicia is accused of having used illicit revenues to finance this facility. Moreover, he would have used the bank accounts of Marouane Chamakh to transfer money from France to Morocco. "Marouane Chamakh has played the carrier of bags but he acted recklessly," the prosecutor said Tuesday Alain Bénech. Indeed, the player was unaware of the nature of money, and therefore inadvertently cleared. For this reason it will not be prosecuted by the Justice, and may give Arsenal peace of mind. [end story]

He needs to be careful about the associations he keeps.  Now that he will become more of a recognized name (playing for Arsenal), he will be the target of nefarious individuals. 

On a good note:
Robin van Persie, who is soon to be Marouane's team-mate at Arsenal had some good words about Chamhunny:
"I know him from TV. He looks good, quite strong in the air and he scores lots of goals with his head," said van Persie, who netted during Arsenal's 4-0 win over Fulham yesterday. "Chamakh looks quite confident on the ball too, so hopefully it goes through as it is good for all of us to have competition. I am happy to see him coming."


:)

Chamakh Goals...A Video Tribute

I found this on youtube today.  A nice little reminder of Marouane's contribution throughout the years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86NqhP8IfIo&feature=player_embedded

A Few Photos From Training

The Marine et Blanc enjoyed one of their last training sessions for the season.  Their last match against Lens is very important if they want to secure a spot in the Europa League next year.  The Champions League is out of reach for them, which is so sad.  Especially when you consider that they were the top club out of all teams after the group stage this year!  Their drop has been so horrible to watch. 

Despite their precarious position, they took some time today to have fun in training, playing a game with two teams (the yellow and the blue) and three "jokers."

I'm not sure exactly how they play the game...at first I thought it was like the "boxes" game that they play at United's training ground.  But now it sounds like a real game, but the jokers add some tricks to the match.

Here are a couple of photos:

Marouane, Yoan Gouffran, and ? (left)

Not sure if Yoann is waiting for a ball or practicing his dance moves..."1, 2, 3..."

If he needs a partner, I will be willing to sacrifice myself! :)

Not from training, but...I want to add as many 'Cuff photos to this blog while I can.  After Marouane's move to Arsenal, he won't be photographed with Yoann! :(

Chamakh and Three Team-mates Named to Ligue 1 Top Eleven

Sunday night football trophies UNFP 2010 were presented at the Canal Football Club. Michaël Ciani, Yoann Gourcuff, Benedict Trémoulinas and Marouane Chamakh are part of the season's top 11. Lisandro Lopez, Lyon striker has been named best player of the season in L1. Jean Fernandez won the Coach of the year.


Bordeaux had four players on the team of the season! A very nice reward for Michael Ciani, Yoann Gourcuff, Benoit Trémoulinas and Marouane Chamakh. The French-Moroccan is on this dream team for the second time in two seasons while his teammates are part of the team for the very first time in their career. This top 11 is based on the votes of players in Ligue 1. The four Bordelaise were rewarded by their peers, which has much more value to players.

The Marine et Blanc boasted four players on the team, while Ligue 1 champions Marseilles only had three. :)

The complete top 11:
Keeper:  Hugo Lloris (Lyon)
Defenders: Rod Fanni (Stade Rennais FC), MICHAEL CIANI (BORDEAUX), Souley Diawara (Marseilles), BENOIT TREMOULINAS (BORDEAUX)
Midfielders:  YOANN GOURCUFF (BORDEAUX), Benoit Cheyrou (Marseilles)
Forwards: Eden Hazard (Lille), Lisandro Lopez (Lyon), Mamadou Niang (Marseilles)
Striker: MAROUANE CHAMAKH (BORDEAUX)

Michael Ciani

Benoit Tremoulinas

Yoann (Lashes) Gourcuff

Marouane Chamakh

Congratulations Bordelaise!

A New Adventure

As I watched the Girondins de Bordeaux play Sochaux yesterday, it was a bittersweet emotion I felt inside.  My favorite player, Marouane Chamakh, was chasing the ball around the Chaban-Delmas for the last time as a Marine et Blanc.
After a tumultuous summer of 2009, when Marouane was targeted by Arsenal to play in the English Premier League, it had finally come to this...he will not be playing for Bordeaux next season.
His contract is up in June and Bordeaux chose to drag their feet last summer and not offer a contract extension, which signalled to Marouane (or should have) that they would accept an offer from another club.  Arsene Wenger of Arsenal made that offer.  And inexplicably Jean-Louis Triaud did not accept the offer.  Marouane was angry and lashed out at the French club (and rightly so) for cutting his legs out from under him after he had given his entire professional career to them.
It's understandable that Bordeaux would not want Marouane to leave.  Not only is he their main goal-scorer, but he is also a favorite with the Girondins faithful.
Triaud's reluctance to offer Marouane an extension last summer will not only hit the Girondins in the heart but in the wallet as well.  Because his contract is up in June he will go on a Bosman's free transfer to Arsenal...FREE.  Which means that Bordeaux will get zero euros for a player that Arsenal had offered 8 million GBP for the previous summer.  Now the Bordelaise will have to replace him with no transfer fee money to offset that cost.  It was bad business for Bordeaux, which they have now admitted.
Leaving Bordeaux, the only team he's ever known, was not an easy decision for Marouane, despite his treatment from last summer.  He said in a recent interview that he almost accepted the new contract that Bordeaux offered; a pay package that would nearly rival Arsenal's.  But in the end, the draw to play in the World's best league, and his latent bitterness from the previous summer turned his head toward London.
There is one difference he will now have to accept...because he is a footballer his wages will be taxed at a 50% rate by the British Crown.  Ouch.

Marouane's last season for Bordeaux has been a rollercoaster ride.  The Marine et Blanc were riding high under manager Laurent Blanc (former United center-back) through February, knocking off Ligue 1 and Champions League opponents with ease.  Then the schedule began to back up with weather cancellations, CL matches, and French cup games.  The exhausted Bordelaise struggled to keep up with the frenetic schedule and lost 6 of 8 league matches in a row.  Up by 10 points in February and cruising to their second-straight Ligue 1 title, Bordeaux will most likely finish in 5th or 6th place, with Marseilles already securing the title for this season.  It was a monumental slide from the top to their current position, but Marouane has played valiantly throughout.  At times he has suffered from lack of service in the midfield, and ended up playing as a midfielder/striker in some matches...yes, providing his own service.
Yoann Gourcuff, Marouane's kindred spirit on the team has had a spotty season.  Hampered with injuries, the midfielder has not featured in every match.  But when these two got together it was a joy to watch and I nicknamed them "Chamcuff."  Gourcuff said in an interview last month that he and Marouane had an innate sense of each other on the pitch, and that was obvious to see by their results.

I decided to create this blog, although I've written about Marouane and Bordeaux on my other.  It just didn't seem right to talk about him on my United blog when he will now be featuring for Arsenal! :)
But I am still a huge Marouane fan and will support his endeavours, except when the Gunners play United.
It is a new adventure for Marouane...and for me.
Allez Marouane et bienvenue a Inglaterre!

"Marouane, always in our heart"

Subbing off for the last time at the Chaban-Delmas to a roar of appreciation from the crowd

His team-mates showing their appreciation for his efforts over the last 9 years

Saluting the fans who have supported him throughout his career