ant london wrote:Seems that this is at least part of the reason for the hold-up. They have dispensation for the extension so it should still go through.
For what it's worth (if this is true), I think he's a cheeky cunt. He's been picking up tens of thousands of pounds per week for the last 9 years. And is off to earn (if the reports are to be believed) somewhere in the region of 75k a week.
I was firmly of the opinion that he deserved a testimonial but, the purpose of such a game would be for us, the fans, to show our appreciation and for him (I would have sincerely hoped) to raise some money for a good cause.
Unless the money he's been trying to extract from the club is donated in the above manner, then he's a mercenary bastard....I wasn't sad to see him go from a playing perspective but this has really disappointed me as I always had him down as one of the good guys.
Dunne had passed a medical and settled personal terms with Villa after the clubs agreed a fee before the weekend. But the Ireland defender wanted compensation for giving up a testimonial at City next summer.
He did not ask to leave City and still had three years left on his £55,000-a-week contract. It is believed the initial offer made by City fell well short of what Dunne felt was a reasonable figure.
A source close to the player said: ‘Richard believes the initial offer he received from Manchester City was not befitting someone who had given nine years’ service.’
IF, and that is big IF, that is true then it's bit shit and leaves bitter taste in th mouth. Surely he wasn't going to keep the testimonial money to himself?????
I mean not everyone can be Stephen Ireland and do extra work for charity but eversince Niall Quinn it has been standard for rich beyond wildest dreams Premier League players to give money from testimonial to good cause.