Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part V

Namaste Gooners! 🙂 Welcome to the 5th edition of “Indian Gooners Speak Out”

Today’s featured Gooners are Nishant Singh, Keith Cardoza and @i_m_Pania.

Nishant and Keith are different from the first CIA operatives I had interacted with. Clearly, they have no affinity towards Twitter. While their day jobs revolve around solving mysterious crimes in the country, they suggest otherwise.

Nishant Singh is from New Delhi. Did his MBA from Bangalore and am currently working as a senior manager trainee in Expat Group. He loves Arsenal to d core. He is fun loving, humorous guy but a bit short temperd sometimes.. He says he is awesome when it comes to flirting. 🙂

I am sorry bro, but you will be disappointed in Arsenal fan spheres. Very few Goonerettes out there. 😀

Keith clearly didn’t have an introduction of himself, probably he is solving the Arsenal Stadium Mystery. 😀

And if you need added proof of it, he has provided me the picture below. He, quite naturally doesn’t want to reveal himself. 😛

@i_m_Pania is an IT Engineer Working in Accenture Banglaore and die hard Arsenal fan.

So, here we go.

1) When did you start supporting Arsenal? Which year was it?

Nishant – I started supportng arsenal From 2001-02 season.

Keith – 2006 at bergkamp’s testimonial, i was into Arsenal before that but i really got into it after that match

@i_m_Pania – I started supporting Arsenal in 2004 during the Invincible season, but honestly I didnt know that they went Invincible till around 2006 (used to follow the team through old newspapers in Dubai )

2) How old were you when you started supporting Arsenal?

Nishant – I ws 15 yrs old wen i started supporting arsenal.

Keith – i was 11 i believe

@i_m_Pania – 14

3) Did you start off by supporting one of the more popular clubs like Manchester United? Be honest.

Nishant – I started supportng arsenal straight away….

Keith – uhmm, not really, but i did have a lil love for Juve, they had my idol Del Piero so yea 😛

@i_m_Pania – No, Arsenal Vs West Ham was the first match I saw of Arsenal and instantly fell in love.

4) What most do you like about Arsenal and why. And you can name only one thing.

Nishant – One touch pass and counterattacks. reason being i guess they play the most bful football on earth.

Keith – they make football more about trophies, about more than money, they make it about lives, about careers, they give the youth, everyone a chance at the stardom..they make it life…

One of the best answers I have heard. 🙂 Oops, it is the best answer I have heard so far. 🙂

@i_m_Pania – Arsene Wenger.. Many players came and went but Arsene Wenger has stayed on and thats what I love about him

5) Thierry Henry or Dennis Berkgkamp? And why?

Nishant – Henry. bcoz “wen u need goals, u need thiery o’ henry..”

Keith – Dennis Bergkamp…he to me, is exactly what the gunners are about, playing for the team and not for themselves..

@i_m_Pania – Dennis Bergkamp, Its not like I dont like Henry but its more like 51%-49% bcoz DB10 retired at Arsenal

6) Your most joyous moment as a Gunner?

Nishant – The unbeatable season.

Keith – .i think the 5-2 with the spurs…and the 5-3…i just went crazy in those matches….its matches like those that teach you what football is and that feeling i get in my heart, its like my heart is high 😛

@i_m_Pania – When Thierry henry scored the solo goal against Real Madrid, We had advanced in the CL against all odds

7) Your most disappointing moment as a Gunner?

Nishant – When fabregas left.

Keith – carling cup…couldnt cry more that night.. 😦 😦 😦

@i_m_Pania – The loss in Carling Cup final against Birmingham, If we had won things would have been very different today

8) Is Arsene Wenger still the man for the job at Arsenal? And why?

Nishant – Yes defintly. I guess he can Only make it do like THE ARSENAL WAY.

Keith – Yes, i havent ever doubted him, and never will, with that passion and determination, he will always be the man for the job…its people like him, bergkamp and henry that define what Arsenal is..

@i_m_Pania – Ofcourse he is, coz he is a man with a plan, he has started this project and will finish it successfully or die trying

9) If no, then who would you like to see at the helm and why?

Nishant –

Keith –

@i_m_Pania –

10) What would you opt for if you were the CEO of the club? The self sustainable model, which is at place, with moderate spending and sparse silverware, or the ‘Petrocash’, which is being used by Chelsea and Manchester City to win trophies at will?

Nishant – Petro cash.

Keith – Self sustainable, i dont want to see Arsenal turning into EXACTLY WHATS WRONG WITH MANY THINGS IN THIS WORLD, money! i dont want our team to run on money…period.

@i_m_Pania – I am a big fan of Wenger’s self sustainable economic model, coz not only it will make us debt free in a few years but also once we start making profits after our debts get over we can buy really good players without having to worry about their wages and debts which will truly make us a force to reckon with.. With this model in place our future is bright!

11) A one line message for Robin van Persie, who looks set to leave. And this could also be a message for Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy, Adebayor etc.

Nishant – ARSENE WENGER  can make 1000 nasri’s, 1000 fabregas, 1000 clichy….. 1000 van persie.

Keith – Play for the name on the front, and people will remember the name on the back…

@i_m_Pania – Dear RVP, if you leave Arsenal, you surely wont get respect anywhere else and you have plenty of examples

12) Who would you like to see as Arsenal’s captain next season? And why?

Nishant – Rosicky as he is been there for many years and understand d players n system very well.

Keith – Vermaelen, without a doubt 🙂 he is exactly what Arsenal need, his goal against newcaslte, that 92nd min (i think) run he made from the the Arsenal Box to the the Newcastle’s box and put the ball in…beautiful..

@i_m_Pania – Vermaelen or Sagna, They will be loyal to us and will have a great influence on the team

13) Any specific signings you would like to see at the club?

Nishant – Cristiano ronaldo.

Yeah, right! 😀

Keith – I think Dempsey is good, but i would love to see rb anyways

@i_m_Pania – Would love to see Gourcuff or Lewandowski at the club

14) Realistically, what are your aspirations for next season?

Nishant – EPL title.

Keith – I really believe that Arsenal can win something this year 🙂

@i_m_Pania – With the squad we have and hoping RvP doesnt leave we can challenge for the title and atleast win the FA Cup

15) One thing that you would like to change at Arsenal?

Nishant – Wage system.

Keith – The boardroom, nuff said

@i_m_Pania – Ivan Gazidis, someone with the calbre of David Dein should be the director, Ivan has a bad reputation in front of the fans after Cesc and Nasri saga

16) Your favorite player at the club right now? And why?

Nishant – Arshavin coz he is a Gamechanger n hs a neva give up attitude.

Keith – Vermaelen 🙂

@i_m_Pania – Jack Wilshere, coz even if he didnt play last season still he was pretty confident that we would finish 3rd and we did and also coz of his unchallenged loyalty

17) One player, past or present, you think you would have done better than?

Nishant – Samir nasri.

Keith – uhmm…i really wanna say bendtner but im not a forward 😛 but i think denilson 😀 i would play much better than him 🙂

@i_m_Pania – David Bentley, If i had got a chance like him, I would have done better!

18) Your favorite Arsenal goal?

Nishant – Countless favourites but Van persie against charlton.

Keith – Michael Thomas’s goal in the 91st min goal in 1989 against livpool that won the game and the league for arsenal beating livpool on Goal diff on the LAST GAME OF THE SEASON.

@i_m_Pania – DB10 goal against Newcastle United.. Even God wouldnt have scored that!

19) Arrange in ascending order of hate..Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Tottenham, Stoke City? Any other, please mention.

Nishant – *BLANK*

Keith – Tottenham (1), Man Shitty (2), Real Madrid (3), Ac Milan (4), Man U (5)

@i_m_Pania –

1. Manchester United and Spuds (joint)

2. Chelsea

3. Barcelona

4. City

5. Stoke

20) Arsenal to win the Champions League before you die or a one night stand with the girl of your fantasy? Be honest!

Nishant – Arsenal to win champions league, after that i cn hv as many one night stands i cn..  😀

Keith – Arsenal win champions league…no doubt in my mind 🙂

@i_m_Pania – Arsenal win the Champions League and then a one night stand 😉

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If you missed the earlier editions of the “Indian Gooners Speak Out” series, follow the links below. I hope you enjoyed reading! Will be back with more parts soon! Hang around!

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part I

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part II

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part III

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part IV

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And, if you are interested to know more about Indian football, its clubs, rich history, and all the passion the country has for the beautiful game, do read Barefoot Indian Football Magazine. It is a nice site, with the latest in Indian football. You can also like their Facebook page.

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While you are about it, follow Blazing Cannons on twitter. @blazingcannons

And do like, the Facebook page as well.

Go ahead you lazy bum, that’s all I ask of you!

 

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part IV

Salut Gooners. Here’s the fourth edition of “Indian Gooners Speak Out”.

Today’s featured Gunners are @prithvirao17, @sidd_arsenal and @saptesh2010.

@prithvirao17 is a software engineer in Infosys, and I have known him since college days. Never seen the guy without an Arsenal shirt! Literally takes “Wearing your heart on your sleeves” to the next level.

@sidd_arsenal is a business graduate, and wait for it, a big time Arsenal fan. Arsenal runs his life everyday, every breath, even when drunk is Arsenal.

@saptesh2010 is another diehard Gooner I know since college days. He has completed his MBA(Marketing/Intl Business) and is on the verge of getting placed in Dalmia Group. He is a GAM3FR3AK, loves sleeping and some times short tempered 😛

1) When did you start supporting Arsenal? Which year was it?

@prithvirao17 – 2004. The day Arsenal’s unbeaten run ended.

@sidd_arsenal – The year was 1998, first game was versus I believe Manchester United, not too sure lol

@saptesh2010 – I started supporting arsenal in 2005.

2) How old were you when you started supporting Arsenal?

@prithvirao17 – 15 years

@sidd_arsenal – Well  I ain’t no mathematician but I am gonna say  8 years old or just about there.

@saptesh2010 – I was 17 years of age.

3) Did you start off by supporting one of the more popular clubs like Manchester United? Be honest.

@prithvirao17 – Nope. Its been Arsenal all the way.

@sidd_arsenal – Nope, not even close. Funny story, since I am such a lazy guy, when I did get my fifa game in the summer of 1998, I chose Arsenal, because that was first team on the frikkin list haha, fell in love with TiTi that day itself, figured lets see what Arsenal do, I watched that game, got mesmerised.  I did slack off in the middle years say 2002-2005, 2006 was when I became full time, but my allegiance to the Arsenal was always strong, just didn’t have the time you know, especially the world famous Dial up connection, don’t help ish(intended).

Er, Thierry Henry in the summer of 1998 at Arsenal? Anyways.. 😛

@saptesh2010 – No. not at all. I was particularly not into soccer in my childhood dayz. So one day my best childhood friend told me to watch arsenal’s game which turned me into a TRUE GUNNER.

4) What most do you like about Arsenal and why. And you can name only one thing.

@prithvirao17 – Beautiful, sexy and attacking football.

@sidd_arsenal – Sorry, I can’t name one thing, I don’t know which fan will say just one thing, I love everything about Arsenal, even if it’s Squillaci, no wait, I don’t like him . but yeah I love 99.999% of Arsenal .

@saptesh2010 – Their style of play. Its unique in its own ways

5) Thierry Henry or Dennis Berkgkamp? And why?

@prithvirao17 – Thierry. Simply because i haven’t seen much of Dennis at his peak.

@sidd_arsenal – I fell in love with Henry, trust me, its hard to pick or leave alone the Iceman, but sorry to the Lord above, Thierry was just magic, from that goal v Manchester United to any of those 229 goals, I loved him, actually  his strike rate, speed, efficiency and plus the skill and arrogance he had just made everything that special. Thanks to my best friend Obeid Peera (@ObeidP) he made fall in love with Thierry even more.

@saptesh2010 – TH14….. IMO He is no match for any player in this whole world. His finishing, ball control, the way he celebrate( when he used to be in arsenal), its just amazing.

6) Your most joyous moment as a Gunner?

@prithvirao17 – Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona at Emirates.

@sidd_arsenal – To me, just the way the fans responded to the win and how they were that night, the win against Barcelona 2-1 with that bitch ass strike which left valdes fucked up was my favorite moment but, the 2nd best, when we won the title unbeaten, seeing my idol Arsene hold that title was just a dream.

@saptesh2010 – For me  it would be ARSENAL winning any match against manu. To mention Arsenal 2-0 manu dated 8/10/2008. Cashri scoring double.

Er, dude, we won 2-1 😛

7) Your most disappointing moment as a Gunner?

@prithvirao17 – Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal

@sidd_arsenal – I bet a lot of fans would say the 8-2 drubbing but to me, the worst moment was when we lost 6-3 on aggregate to FCB, sorry that was just a sad night, we’re even lucky it was only 6-3 not 500-3.

@saptesh2010 – ARSENAL loosing in carling cup finals and the heart breaking UCL Finals to Barca

8) Is Arsene Wenger still the man for the job at Arsenal? And why?

@prithvirao17 – No. I think he should move now.

@sidd_arsenal – Well there is and always be only one man in my eyes, that’s AW, Why? Simply because he has done everything and anything to stay loyal to the fans and produced with the most crap board in history along with some half-decent players to actually to be up there.  some objectives set out by the board are just pure shockers, and this man does it alone, he runs whole damn place, he deserves credit not hate, what people don’t seem to know is, yeah he isn’t perfect, neither are you sir, but if the last 7 years taught me anything, its this, Arsene is the only guy who loves Arsenal more than any fan out there.

@saptesh2010 – YES… No doubt about it. It is very tough to manage a club which provides considerably less funds.The best part is he buys a player and sells the same player for atleast 10 times the actual price. U give the same amount of funds to any best football manager in this world and tell him to finish in top 4 i bet he would quit the job.

9) If no, then who would you like to see at the helm and why?

@prithvirao17 – Jurgen Klopp or Biesla. Both have great potential to take the club forward.

@sidd_arsenal – N/A, I don’t see Arsenal without Arsene and I think I would be in too much shock not to see him there.

@saptesh2010 –

10) What would you opt for if you were the CEO of the club? The self sustainable model, which is at place, with moderate spending and sparse silverware, or the ‘Petrocash’, which is being used by Chelsea and Manchester City to win trophies at will?

@prithvirao17 – Self Sustainable model. But make sure, what comes in player sales is used for player purchases.

@sidd_arsenal – I think I would use a mixture of both, I wouldn’t refuse pay packages but it should be for the right players, and sure as hell I aint paying chamakh and squidward there 60k/ week. Basically self sustainable but with adequate spending.

@saptesh2010 – Quality siginings and trophies. No wastage of money. Get a player whose worth the money you pay him.

11) A one line message for Robin van Persie, who looks set to leave. And this could also be a message for Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy, Adebayor etc.

@prithvirao17 – We were there before you, We’ll be there after you.

@sidd_arsenal – VAN PERSIE? HOW COULD YOU? YOU CALL YOURSELF A FAN? GO TO HELL, BUT KEEP YOUR WIFE,SON,FAMILY AT ARSENAL, AT LEAST THEY’RE DECENT.

@saptesh2010 – U are a star today because of ARSENAL.

12) Who would you like to see as Arsenal’s captain next season? And why?

@prithvirao17 – Vermaelen. Thats a pretty obvious choice.

@sidd_arsenal – I would want Szczesny, but most likely its gonna be TV5. I would want Wojiciech to be captain because he is the guy I like, arrogant, doesn’t give up, talks trash, will do anything to win  and is vocal on the field.

@saptesh2010 – Undoubtedly, THOMAS VERMAELEN. I feel he has the class and potential to lead the team

13) Any specific signings you would like to see at the club?

@prithvirao17 – Neymar or Gotze. On a serious note, Lucas(Brazilian) or Llorente

@sidd_arsenal – I would love Ozil and Cristiano and Eto’o  but lets leave it at that. Lol

@saptesh2010 – We badly need a CAM. Ozil or Sneijder

14) Realistically, what are your aspirations for next season?

@prithvirao17 – Wish for a trophy. But to be realistic, there is still missing and we’ll end up fighting for 4th and get it in the end.

@sidd_arsenal – 3rd place, 1 trophy, Quarter finals – champs league. That trophy is either fa cup or Capital One Cup

@saptesh2010 – UCL. PLEASE

15) One thing that you would like to change at Arsenal?

@prithvirao17 – Youth Policy. Thankfully its already changing. We can no longer afford to nurture young players and sell them at their peak.

@sidd_arsenal – Nothing other than throw the garbage, I am quite sure people know what I mean 🙂

@saptesh2010 – THE STINGY BOARD

16) Your favorite player at the club right now? And why?

@prithvirao17 – Robin Van Persie. But because of the latest disaster he has brought in, my second favorite Koscielny.

@sidd_arsenal – Kos the Boss for me, I saw potential in him from the start, when he signed I knew he had something about him which will be good, and thankfully he does!

@saptesh2010 – Alex Song. He was the one who played FABREGAS role as a holding midfielder and even Assist machine. I would say he was better than fabregas.

17) One player, past or present, you think you would have done better than?

@prithvirao17 – None. Even the academy players would do better than me 😛

@sidd_arsenal – Pascal Cygan.

@saptesh2010 – Obviously chamakh 😛

18) Your favorite Arsenal goal?

@prithvirao17 – Adebayor at Anfield, Champions league. But all the credit goes to Theo Walcot’s amazing run.

@sidd_arsenal – Got 3, One Thierry v Real Madrid, Rvp v Barcelona, Fabregas v Tottenham (2 of them)

@saptesh2010 – ARSHAVINNNNNNNN!!!! All 4 goals at Anfield.

19) Arrange in order of hate..Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Tottenham, Stoke City? Any other, please mention.

@prithvirao17 – Manchester United

Barcelona, Manchester City

Stoke City

Chelsea

.

(Birmingham)

.

(Leeds)

.

(Burnley)

.

Liverpool {Do we have any reason to hate the loserfools?}

Some surprising names there, and even more surprising, no Tottenham 😀

@sidd_arsenal – I hate only Tottenham,and Man City (not all of them)  I don’t really hate any of the above mentioned clubs, don’t get me wrong I don’t want them to be successful, I really don’t, but they have players who I really like and I respect them.

@saptesh2010 – Manchester United→ Chelsea→ Tottenham →Real Madrid→  Barcelona

20) Arsenal to win the Champions League before you die or a one night stand with the girl of your fantasy? Be honest!

@prithvirao17 – Honestly, the first thing that popped in my mind is the 2nd option. But after some thinking, I’d take Champions leaue for Arsenal.

@sidd_arsenal – Too easy of an answer, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WIN FIRST, SAME NIGHT BITCH OF MY DREAMS

Clearly, he didn’t get the question! 😀 

@saptesh2010 – Winning champions league!!!! That’s my dream. I would rather shag my whole life   😛

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If you missed the earlier editions of the “Indian Gooners Speak Out” series, follow the links below. I hope you enjoyed reading! Will be back with more parts soon! Hang around!

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part I

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part II

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part III

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

And, if you are interested to know more about Indian football, its clubs, rich history, and all the passion the country has for the beautiful game, do read Barefoot Indian Football Magazine. It is a nice site, with the latest in Indian football. You can also like their Facebook page.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

While you are about it, follow Blazing Cannons on twitter. @blazingcannons

And do like, the Facebook page as well.

Go ahead you lazy bum, that’s all I ask of you!

 

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part III

Hello Gooners. Welcome to another edition of “Indian Gooners Speak Out”.

Today I will be speaking to @amith1989, Gibran and @iamsleepysid.

@amith1989 is a totally Crazy Arsenal fan working as a software engineer at Infosys Mangalore.

Gibran is from Mumbai, and will soon begin an MS, and been a Gooner for half a decade now.

@iamsleepysid is a friend/long lost relative of mine, who is also a Computer Engineer, Arsenalist, movies n music buff, traveller, foodie, unconventional thinker..

I am sorry, I have no idea what unconventional thinking he has done, but here we go!

1) When did you start supporting Arsenal? Which year was it?

@amith1989 – 2005. A cousin of mine got me crazy about football and Arsenal.

Gibran – 2006. My first game was in fact the last at Highbury.

@iamsleepysid – Actually i had a liking for Arsenal in the 03-04 season itself. They are the reason coz of which i started watchin football. began supportin em from 2007 onwards till date. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are my next favourites.

2) How old were you when you started supporting Arsenal?

@amith1989 –  I was 16.

Gibran – 15.

@iamsleepysid – 19 yrs old

3) Did you start off by supporting one of the more popular clubs like Manchester United? Be honest.

@amith1989 – No ways. Its one and only Arsenal.

Gibran – No. Only the Red and White.

@iamsleepysid – Yes. started off with oops.. Chelsea..in 04-05 only!! 😛 hell i wuz gifted even a Chelsea jersey by a cousin.. 😀

4) What most do you like about Arsenal and why. And you can name only one thing.

@amith1989 –  We don’t buy superstars. We create them.:)

Gibran – I love how every year critics and other fans write us off, and we make them eat their words. This gone season in particular, who’d have imagined we’d finish third back in January? Not even us! We were expected to finish below Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, Newcastle, and we finished third. That’s the spirit of the club. Nothing better than that.

@iamsleepysid – Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry.. forever legends

5) Thierry Henry or Dennis Berkgkamp? And why?

@amith1989 – Thierry Henry. The ball control he has is just awesome. He walks/runs with the ball with ease and gives nightmares to the defenders. A special mention: Just loved the goal on his 2nd debut against Leeds United too. 🙂

Gibran – Thierry Henry. Bergkamp would probably come second in my list of all time favorites, but Henry was just something else. Pace, power, finesse, you name it, he had it. And he always had a taste for the audacious. He wasn’t known as ‘King Henry’ for nothing.

@iamsleepysid – difficult to compare as both of em had CLASS written on them. but Henry edges Bergkamp in my list.

6) Your most joyous moment as a Gunner?

@amith1989 –  Coming back from 2-0 down to defeat Spurs 5-2 at the emirates.

Gibran – When a certain Russian scored against Barcelona. ‘ARSHAVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN’. 😀

@iamsleepysid – Arsenal 2 1 Barca, Arsenal 3 0 Milan(even though we lost the war at San Siro, we bowed out as heroes at Emirates) plus any victory vs ManUtd.

7) Your most disappointing moment as a Gunner?

@amith1989 – Carling cup final loss to Birmingham. So near yet so far.

Gibran – That infamous night at Old Trafford. It took me a few weeks to get over that one!

@iamsleepysid – Many. Top Three will be 8 2 vs United, 4 4 vs Newcastle and the Carling Cup final.

I remember watching the 4-4 draw at your freaking house! 😀

8) Is Arsene Wenger still the man for the job at Arsenal? And why?

@amith1989 – Yes he is still the man. He is the best man for the job.

Gibran – No question about it. He changed the face of the Premiership, introduced a brand of football that was a delight to watch, and built a team that was the first to seriously threaten United’s dominance. All of this, on a shoe-string budget. He even turned down the chance to manage his own national team, which is such a big honor, just so he could stay on at Arsenal. Really, what else can be said about him?

@iamsleepysid –  YES. Nobody can manage the club and keep em so competitive with a controlled budget.

9) If no, then who would you like to see at the helm and why?

@amith1989 – Cant think of anyone else other than Wenger.

Gibran

@iamsleepysid – AW is the face of AFC. can’t imagine anybody else.

10) What would you opt for if you were the CEO of the club? The self sustainable model, which is at place, with moderate spending and sparse silverware, or the ‘Petrocash’, which is being used by Chelsea and Manchester City to win trophies at will?

@amith1989 –  You dont need big spending always to win trophies. The ability to retain our top performers and few good signings would do it for us.

Gibran – Take a semi-Petrocash route first, no total revamp, just a few top class signings to build on what is already there. Get some silverware, get the monkey off the squad’s back. First one is always the hardest. Once the squad has the confidence, slowly phase in the youngsters, they’ll in-turn learn from the first-team players.

@iamsleepysid – Try to win a trophy and then go for a self sustainable model.

11) A one line message for Robin van Persie, who looks set to leave. And this could also be a message for Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy, Adebayor etc.

@amith1989 – “Well RVP, you are leaving us at a phase when Arsenal needed you the most. Everyone knows you can never get the fame, playing time, fan following anywhere else other than Arsenal.” Really breaks my heart to see him leave.

Gibran – The feeling of wearing the Cannon on your chest cannot be replaced by anything else. You’ll be sorry.

@iamsleepysid – Club is always bigger than a player!!!

12) Who would you like to see as Arsenal’s captain next season? And why?

@amith1989 – Undoubtedly the Verminator Vermaelen. He’s got class.

Gibran – Thomas Vermaelen. High-time we gave the armband to our best leader, not our best player. He has a dominating presence about him and plays a big part in organizing the backline, no one better to make skipper.

@iamsleepysid – Verminator. nuff said

13) Any specific signings you would like to see at the club?

@amith1989 – Really wanted to see Eden Hazard or Mario Gotze play at Arsenal.:( But it is not possible for the moment.:(

Gibran – Not really. Arsene knows. I don’t.

@iamsleepysid – A star CAM or someone like M’Villa.

14) Realistically, what are your aspirations for next season?

@amith1989 – Automatic qualification for CL and atleast one trophy.

Gibran – Top four and the FA/Capital One Cup. Won’t be tough to achieve, and aiming for anything less will be a lack of an ambition.

@iamsleepysid – Nothing less than a Trophy(anyone) plus an automatic spot for UCL.

15) One thing that you would like to change at Arsenal?

@amith1989 – Nothing

Gibran – The Board. They’re priority has become money, money, money. They forget that this is a football club first and foremost, not a Multinational Corporation to mint money. Football first, money second.

@iamsleepysid – Don’t be too nice to players and cultivate loyalty and togetherness. Participation is the key to Success.

16) Your favorite player at the club right now? And why

@amith1989 – After RVP, its Jack Wilshere.- The class he has and also for the passion he has for the club.

Gibran – I’m tempted to say RVP, but following the recent transfer saga, I doubt I can call him that anymore. It would be Mikel Arteta. He keeps his game simple, maintains the tempo, and has a mean free kick in his locker. Isn’t shy to get stuck in either. Love that about him.

@iamsleepysid –  Mikel Arteta. Unsung hero and the next world class player to emerge in future.

17) One player, past or present, you think you would have done better than?

@amith1989 – I do play football with my office colleagues and to be honest, I can definitely defend better than Sebastian Squillaci. 🙂 😛

Well, if playing with software engineers and professional footballers was the same 😛

Gibran – Abou Diaby. Not that I’m good enough to get into the first team (not even the reserves) but atleast I’d keep the club’s medical expenses to a minimum.

@iamsleepysid – Nicklas Bendtner’s gaffe’s at Nou Camp and Anfield.

I don’t know what he’s talking about here, probably some unconventional thinking, but I think he meant to say Niklas Bendtner. 😀

18) Your favorite Arsenal goal?

@amith1989 –  Henry’s curler against United, RVPs volleys against Everton and Liverpool.

Gibran – So many to chose from! But something more recent, Henry v Leeds, his first goal on his return. I ended up fist-pumping on my knees with tears streaming down my eyes. Such a beautiful feeling that was.

@iamsleepysid – Many. Henry’s long ranger vs United, Arshavin vs Barca, Arshavin vs Liverpool(4-4), Arteta vs Man City, Walcott vs QPR and Fabregas solo vs Spurs and for emotional reasons Henry’s goals vs Leeds and Sunderland last season.

19) Arrange in ascending order of hate..Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Tottenham, Stoke City? Any other, please mention.

@amith1989 – 7) Stoke City, 6) Barcelona, 5) Liverpool, 4) Chelsea, 3) Manchester City, 2) Manchester United, 1) Tottenham.

Gibran –  6) Barcelona, 5)  Liverpool, 4)Stoke City, 3)  Chelsea,2) Man City,  1)Man United/Spurs.

@iamsleepysid – 1)ManUtd==Spurs 2)ManCity 3)Chelsea 4)Barca 5)Liverpool 6)Stoke

20) Arsenal to win the Champions League before you die or a one night stand with the girl of your fantasy? Be honest!

@amith1989 – Definitely Arsenal to win CL.

Gibran – Champions League. Anyday!

@iamsleepysid – Arsenal winning UCL. fantasies can wait 😛

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

If you missed the earlier editions of the “Indian Gooners Speak Out” series, follow the links below. I hope you enjoyed reading! Will be back with more parts soon! Hang around!

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part I

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part II

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

And, if you are interested to know more about Indian football, its clubs, rich history, and all the passion the country has for the beautiful game, do read Barefoot Indian Football Magazine. It is a nice site, with the latest in Indian football. You can also like their Facebook page.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

While you are about it, follow Blazing Cannons on twitter. @blazingcannons

And do like, the Facebook page as well.

Go ahead you lazy bum, that’s all I ask of you!

 

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part II

Hello Gooners. We are back with the second edition of Indian Gooners Speak Out.

Today I will be speaking to @vivekafcvivek, @gunneratheart and @ambinerd. These Gooners come from various backgrounds and parts of the country, but of course, united by one passion, and that is Arsenal. All of them have some interesting thoughts about the club to share.

@vivekafcvivek is from Bangalore, doing his final year degree and is an ardent Arsenal fan for the past decade. He is an active part of Bangalore Gunners, which has grown to become one of the biggest Arsenal fan clubs in the country. (@BangalorGunners) They organize screenings constantly throughout the season and converge Gooners all over Bangalore under one roof.

@gunneratheart is 22 years old and graduated in Biotechnology Engineering from BIT. He is a passionate gooner (ask the people around him, they will testify to that!)!

@gunneratheart

@ambinerd is a huge huge Arsenal fan. Fifa fanatic. He creates iPhone/iPad apps to pay the bills.

@ambinerd

So, here we go.

1) When did you start supporting Arsenal? Which year was it?

@vivekafcvivek – Started supporting Arsenal in the 2002-2003 season.

@gunneratheart – To the best of my memory, I started following football itself properly around 2000/01, and started supporting Arsenal from the 2001 season (was initially introduced to them through a friend, but the style of play soon captured my interest).

@ambinerd – Started supporting Arsenal and Real Madrid back in 2001. Was a huge zizou and Henry fan. Once zizou retired, stopped supporting Madrid. Its only the red & white now.

2) How old were you when you started supporting Arsenal?

@vivekafcvivek – I was 12 years old when i started supporting Arsenal.

@gunneratheart – I was 11 years old.

@ambinerd – around 14

3) Did you start off by supporting one of the more popular clubs like Manchester United? Be honest.

@vivekafcvivek – No way. It was always Arsenal for me , United were the champions when is started supporting Arsenal and i have a thing for ‘second’ favorites. Besides when i saw the beautiful football on display it was a no brainer.

@gunneratheart – No, It was always Arsenal for me.

@ambinerd – Not United but was a Madrid fan. As of now don’t give a shit about them.

4) What most do you like about Arsenal and why. And you can name only one thing.

@vivekafcvivek – It’s a club for the purists.

@gunneratheart – The philosophy and brand of football that Arsene Wenger brought to the club transforming us from a defensive ‘1-0 to the Arsenal’ unit to an brilliant attacking one!

@ambinerd – Arsene Wenger

5) Thierry Henry or Dennis Berkgkamp? And why?

@vivekafcvivek – Well i gotta say it’s Thierry Henry for me. Bergkamp was poetry in motion but Thierry leaves me at a loss for words. Extravagance at his best and he used to make defenders life a nightmare. Epl has and will never see a better striker. he’s a ‘genius’.

@gunneratheart – Has always been Henry for me. Both players were equally classy. But Henry and Arsenal were a marriage made in heaven while it lasted. One of the most lethal strikers in world football. I had tears of joy when he scored on his return against Leeds.

@ambinerd – Very Close, but considering the current situation, i would say Dennis cos he dint quit on us. During the 2005 season he had said, he would retire if Arsenal dint give him a new contract. On the last day, he produced some brilliance and the crowd “forced” the club into giving him a one year extension. Legend indeed.

6) Your most joyous moment as a Gunner?

@vivekafcvivek – Too many instances to choose from but i’m gonna have to say the 2-1 win at home to Barca.

@gunneratheart – Undoubtedly INVINCIBLES.

@ambinerd – Arsenal 2 1 Barca

7) Your most disappointing moment as a Gunner?

@vivekafcvivek – Again too many instances to choose from 😛 But i’m gonna have to go with 8-2 at OT.

@gunneratheart – The 2011 season when we seemed in it all one week and out of everything the next. Starting with the defeat to Birmingham in the league cup final. Thoroughly undeserving to lose. The heart ached seeing the likes of Wilshere cry inconsolably.

@ambinerd – Carling cup final. After the game, had a sneaky feeling that we could Fuck up everything.

8) Is Arsene Wenger still the man for the job at Arsenal? And why?

@vivekafcvivek – Arsene Wenger is the best man for the job. He has revolutionized club management and changed the landscape of the premier league. Considering the financial constraints present at the club there is no man on this earth who can do a better job than Wenger. He has the club’s best interests at heart. What more can one ask for.

@gunneratheart – Yes, he is. He has always been loyal to the club and believed in his players throughout. He has come close to success regularly in the last 7 years, falling short mostly in unlucky circumstances. Besides, the lack of trophies does not mean something bad. Every club goes through transitions. The fact that he has kept us competitive in this transition is testament to his ability as a manager.

@ambinerd – Yes. The Board does not want to spend money. Name me one manager who will spend so less and still keep the team competitive. David Moyes has tried but look where they are. I dont blame wenger for the current plight, blame the “LOYAL” players.

9) If no, then who would you like to see at the helm and why?

@vivekafcvivek –

@gunneratheart – I really dont have anyone in mind as a replacement.

@ambinerd –

10) What would you opt for if you were the CEO of the club? The self sustainable model, which is at place, with moderate spending and sparse silverware, or the ‘Petrocash’, which is being used by Chelsea and Manchester City to win trophies at will?

@vivekafcvivek – Self sustainable model (but spend a bit more , just that 10 or 15 million extra)

@gunneratheart – Self-sustainable model.

@ambinerd – I would definitely spend some money to get the first trophy. Since we have some very talented youth players coming through, that area is covered. But just to break the trend of players maturing and leaving, i would spend some money, TRY to win trophies(spending money doesn’t guarantee squat) and then slowly bring in the youngsters.

11) A one line message for Robin van Persie, who looks set to leave. And this could also be a message for Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy, Adebayor etc.

@vivekafcvivek – You guys are a disgrace, forgot who made you what you are.

@gunneratheart – No player will ever been bigger than the club.

@ambinerd – to RVP- It doesn’t hurt that you want to leave, it hurts cos of the heartless way in which you want to leave.

12) Who would you like to see as Arsenal’s captain next season? And why?

@vivekafcvivek – Vermalen should be handed the captain’s armband. He is the easy choice , plays with his heart on the sleeve and is a talker , plays with pride and a fan favorite. Commands respect and having him on the pitch , his meager presence instills confidence and calmness.

@gunneratheart – In the recent past, captaincy has kind of become a prelude to leaving the club in the future. But, I’d love to see a defender as captain (something like a Tony Adams of the current era). The likes of Vermaelen, who is quite vocal, or Koscielny would be ideal though I guess obviously TV5 is the frontrunner if Van persie leaves.

@ambinerd – Verminator. Enough said.

13) Any specific signings you would like to see at the club?

@vivekafcvivek – M’Vila and Dempsey

@gunneratheart –  I would have loved to see Edinson Cavani at the club. Whatever I have seen of him, he seems a proper poacher. And I think Arsenal missed a trick where Eden Hazard was concerned also since he is a cousin/nephew (not sure) of Vermaelen.

@ambinerd – One kick ass CAM, unless Arshavin stays and promises not to be lazy.

14) Realistically, what are your aspirations for next season?

@vivekafcvivek – Actually feel we have enough in the squad to win the league next season. No reason why we can’t.

@gunneratheart – Realistically, a fight for an automatic Champions League spot and a good cup run(all the cups) hoping the draw is kind to us(almost never is!!). Ideally, I sincerely hope the team is well-prepared enough to fight for the League title.

@ambinerd – Winning Trophies. Anything less is a lack of ambition. 😉

15) One thing that you would like to change at Arsenal?

@vivekafcvivek – Be a bit more cut throat, don’t be too nice too players.

@gunneratheart – Cant really think of anything. Even with respect to transfers, I dont really believe splashing the cash is the solution. Wenger knows. Or atleast, we could do with keeping faith in him as gooners.

@ambinerd – Trying to cultivate a sense of togetherness and loyalty. Also selling all the dead weight.

16) Your favorite player at the club right now? And why?

@vivekafcvivek – Has to be Sagna. The unsung hero and easily the most consistent player at the club in the last 5+ years.

@gunneratheart – I really took to Wilshere last season, a brilliant midfield engine. Mikel Arteta for me this year. Unsung hero, silently worked to maintain the shape of the team and even score some vital goals. (Van persie would be an automatic choice with his accomplishments).

@ambinerd – Footballing terms – RVP, overall – Bacary Sagna.

17) One player, past or present, you think you would have done better than?

@vivekafcvivek – Diaby. Abundance of talent but perma crocked unfortunately.

@gunneratheart – Haha, thats a toughie. All of them being professionals I surely wouldnt do better than any of them at the club. But if I have to name one, then it would be Junichi Inamoto. I myself play mid and I guess I would somehow get myself to play atleast one game at the club :p

@ambinerd – Nickas bendtners first touch at the Camp Nou will haunt me forever. So maybe him.

18) Your favorite Arsenal goal?

@vivekafcvivek – Henry’s goal against Liverpool , 2-0 down after being knocked out of the Cl and the F.A cup in a space of a week. Season was in jeopardy up steps the Frenchman and beats 4 liverpool players to score one of the best goals in the league that season (he also scored a hatrick in that game)

@gunneratheart – Henry long ranger against united, Bergkamp against newcastle, Pires curler against I dont remember, Van persie against Charlton athletic, Fabregas solo goal against our noisy neighbours.

@ambinerd – Fabregas vs Slavia Prague 2007-08 CL. The one where we counter from a corner and score.

19) Arrange in order of hate..Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Tottenham, Stoke City? Any other, please mention.

@vivekafcvivek – Manchester United, Barcelona, Stoke City, Spurs, Chelsea , City , Liverpool.

@gunneratheart – (6) Barcelona (surely can’t hate them for much other than the Fabregas scoop), (5) Stoke City,  (4) Liverpool, (3) Chelsea, (2) Manchester City (annoying player tap-ups every goddamn year),  (1) Manchester United==Tottenham (Cant put a degree between the two, equally hate both the clubs).

@ambinerd – Barca, united, tottenham, stoke, chelsea, city pool.

20) Arsenal to win the Champions League before you die or a one night stand with the girl of your fantasy? Be honest!

@vivekafcvivek – Arsenal to win the CL before i die. There will be plenty of other chances to get laid lol.

@gunneratheart – Arsenal to win the Champions League. Honestly. Truthfully. Sincerely.

@ambinerd – Arsenal to win CL. 🙂

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

If you missed the first edition of the “Indian Gooners Speak Out” series, follow this link.

I hope you enjoyed reading! Will be back with more parts soon! Hang around!

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

And, if you are interested to know more about Indian football, its clubs, rich history, and all the passion the country has for the beautiful game, do read Barefoot Indian Football Magazine. It is a nice site, with the latest in Indian football. You can also like their Facebook page.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

While you are about it, follow Blazing Cannons on twitter. @blazingcannons

And do like, the Facebook page as well.

Go ahead you lazy bum, that’s all I ask of you!

 

Indian Gooners Speak Out – Part I

Hello Gooners. Today I am trying something new. As my blog approaches 100,000 readers *cue trumpets and whistles*, I will run a series of articles over the next few days where I interview some fellow Gooners from India, who will share some of their thoughts about the club. Some are my friends, whom I know since college days, and even school days, while others are the ones I met through social networking. There is just one thing common in us, and that is passion for Arsenal.

The first 3 Cannonheads I am questioning are @laren2j, @vvneagleone and @tojo_90.

Well, @laren2j is a Web developer, who is also the CEO of one of the top technology sites in the country, Geektech, and a good friend of mine for the past couple of years.

@vvneagleone and @tojo_90 are rather secretive figures. Probably CIA (CID in India) operatives, who claim to support the Gunners. Apt, ain’t it?

1) When did you start supporting Arsenal? Which year was it?

@laren2j – I started supporting Aresenal 6 years back in 2005.

@vvneagleone – 2006

@tojo_90 – 2005-ish

2) How old were you when you started supporting Arsenal?

@laren2j – I was 18 yrs old then.

@vvneagleone – 13

@tojo_90 – 15

3) Did you start off by supporting one of the more popular clubs like Manchester United? Be honest.

@laren2j – Yes, I started supporting Chelsa at first when I was in PUC and then I had a friend who told me why is Arsenal a btter team.

@vvneagleone – No

@tojo_90 – No

4) What most do you like about Arsenal and why. And you can name only one thing.

@laren2j – The History, thank you Supreet for enlighting me more about Arsenal.. 😛

@vvneagleone – Enjoy watching their style of passing.

@tojo_90 – They were a young team,very easy to sympathize with and it snowballed from there

5) Thierry Henry or Dennis Berkgkamp? And why?

@laren2j – Well I like Thierry Henry and I have seen him play and I am a great fan of his.

@vvneagleone –  Dennis Bergkamp. I just cannot say why. I loved every single thing he did.

@tojo_90 – Henry. He was the best in the world.

6) Your most joyous moment as a Gunner?

@laren2j – January 21, 2007: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United, this was the last time we beat Manchester United.

As your Arsenal history guru, I am bitterly disappointed, cos the last time we beat them was in May 2011, and we watched that match bozo!

@vvneagleone – Fairly, there isn’t a single one. There are many. I don’t evaluate them, I enjoy them a lot.

@tojo_90 – Honestly , 2007 against Bolton comeback to win 3-2. Really thought we were going to win the league that year.

7) Your most disappointing moment as a Gunner?

@laren2j – August 28th, 2011: Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal, and I had to watch it with Manchester United fans… 😦

That you remember! And with the date too! 

@vvneagleone –  ^The same answer, with appropriate word replacements.

@tojo_90 – Carling Cup final vs Birmingham ’nuff said

8) Is Arsene Wenger still the man for the job at Arsenal? And why?

@laren2j – Without Wenger Arsenal would be nothing. I dont think any manager would be able to handle a team like Arsenal. Its evident if we look at our transfer history, and Arsenal has built many class players.

@vvneagleone – YES

Resounding!

@tojo_90 – Yes(sorta) .It’s the players that have let him down time and again. Though his stubbornness gets pretty exasperating,no-one in the world could do what he does at Arsenal.

9) If no, then who would you like to see at the helm and why?

@laren2j –

@vvneagleone –

@tojo_90 –

10) What would you opt for if you were the CEO of the club? The self sustainable model, which is at place, with moderate spending and sparse silverware, or the ‘Petrocash’, which is being used by Chelsea and Manchester City to win trophies at will?

@laren2j – It’s not that easy to manage a team, Yes spending money and buying all the class you need and winning a trophy is not what we are looking for. Well we had lot of rumours that 2012 season is going to be a bad one for Arsenal when we saw Nasri and Fabregas leave, and there were many predictions saying we will hardly make it to the top 6 on the table. I dont want to change anything in Arsenal but yes I would love to see us lifiting a silverware.

@vvneagleone – Self sustainable. I cannot understand what it is that makes some ‘Arsenal fans’ want to see the club play ugly football and win trophies. Just for the club name? For the fact that they were supporting it when it used to win and they want to be ‘loyal’? I love how we play!

@tojo_90 – Lets see how well this upcoming youngsters do at Arsenal,if they fail then I’m afraid ‘ PeteroCash ‘ because the basis of the sustainable model was the emphasis on youth development.So for now i guess sustainable model till we see the results of this current crop.

11) A one line message for Robin van Persie, who looks set to leave. And this could also be a message for Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy, Adebayor etc.

@laren2j – *BLANK*

@vvneagleone –  —(I’m blank – I mean I’ve thought about this, but I’m just blank now).

@tojo_90 – All the best in your future endeavours (we are Arsenal, no need to be trashy 🙂 )

12) Who would you like to see as Arsenal’s captain next season? And why?

@laren2j – Thomas Vermaelen, He is the man who gets the team morale high and he was a captain in Ajax.

@vvneagleone – Vermaelen. He’s been incredibly loyal, understated, underrated as a player by other clubs.

@tojo_90 – Song or Sagna They have been in the first team the longest and are guaranteed first-teamers and I want to see if they will step up if they are captain.

13) Any specific signings you would like to see at the club?

@laren2j – Christian Eriksen, Danish Football Player of the Year.

@vvneagleone –  Baines. And some mid-forward player who can take long range shots, for when we’re playing against compact defending.

@tojo_90 – CAM *cough* Jovetic *cough*. We need some one to create more chances for us. RVP aside from all the goals and assists also created a lot of goals. Rosicky and Diaby(sorta) are the only players who can play that position both are pretty injury prone.

14) Realistically, what are your aspirations for next season?

@laren2j –  I feel we are going to kick some ass. Well I want to start the season with a positive attitude… 😛

@vvneagleone – Coming third by a short way off second, not twenty points off it. I expect the season to be more competitive between Chelsea and City than City and United.

@tojo_90 – *sigh* Without RVP its very unpredictable depends a LOT on how the new signings perform

15) One thing that you would like to change at Arsenal?

@laren2j – I dont know….Chamakh 😛

@vvneagleone – Some of the pathetic fans. Get Usmanov off some of the ownership, he doesn’t deserve it.

@tojo_90 – Offload the deadwood. So many players sitting and doing fuck-all screwing up our wage bill as well.More efficient use of that please…

16) Your favorite player at the club right now? And why?

@laren2j – Thomas Vermaelen

@vvneagleone – There isn’t just one… Sagna, Kos, Verm, Wilshere.

@tojo_90 – Song. Honestly he is the best kept secret in european football and one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

17) One player, past or present, you think you would have done better than?

@laren2j – Chamakh…lol

@vvneagleone – Silvestre. The fantastic one-two with Messi was timeless 😀

@tojo_90 – Almunia

18) Your favorite Arsenal goal?

@laren2j – Henry scoring a great goal in North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham in 2002.

@vvneagleone – Again, just like question 6.

@tojo_90 – Fabregas against Tottenham… 6 touches from half-line to the goal.

19) Arrange in order of hate..Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Tottenham, Stoke City? Any other, please mention.

@laren2j – Manchester United, Tottenham, Manchester City, Chelsea, Barcelona, Liverpool, Stoke City.

@vvneagleone – (Ascending) City = Tottenham = Barcelona, Stoke, Liverpool, Chelsea = United

@tojo_90 – Stoke and Man Utd at the top… all of the others except Liverpool tie second.Liverpool third ( hate is a pretty strong word )

20) Arsenal to win the Champions League before you die or a one night stand with the girl of your fantasy? Be honest!

@laren2j – I know Supreet you would never believe this but yes I choose Arsenal winning…lol

@vvneagleone – Um, I’m not really for one-night stands. ARSENAL TO WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.

@tojo_90 – One night stand with Emma Stone.Because the Champions league victory is going to come anyways

Now, that’s what I call brutally honest!

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

I hope you enjoyed reading! Will be back with more parts soon! Hang around!

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

And, if you are interested to know more about Indian football, its clubs, rich history, and all the passion the country has for the beautiful game, do read Barefoot Indian Football Magazine. It is a nice site, with the latest in Indian football. You can also like their Facebook page.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

While you are about it, follow Blazing Cannons on twitter. @blazingcannons

And do like, the Facebook page as well.

Go ahead you lazy bum, that’s all I ask of you!