Oh Eduardo!

Dear Eduardo,

I must confess the first I ever heard of you was when the official site intimated me that you were the latest member to be inducted into the Arsenal family. I mean, honestly, the goal you scored for Dinamo Zagreb against us was no more than a minor irritant in what was a comprehensive mauling over two legs.

You had a lot going against you really. You were a strange species; Brazilian born Croat; indicating you didn’t really make the cut in your home country and had to relocate to the relatively less glamorous Croatian league to make something of yourself. You were coming in, in place of arguably the greatest man to have ever worn the cannon on his chest; Thierry Henry. And psychologically, the most damning point against you was the fact that you were given the No. 9 jersey; which had been worn by succession of high profile flops including your ‘fellow international’ Suker and most recently Julio Baptista. Your were described as a ‘poacher’ and the word poacher brought to mind visions of a hunter slinging a deer carcass across his shoulder or worse for an Arsenal fan, the image of van Nistelrooy.  

You really showed us you were someone to be excited about when you thumped one in against Sheffield and almost singlehandedly led a 10 man Arsenal to victory over evil Blackburn with a fantastic brace. Still there were doubters who said Hey! It’s just the bloody Carling Cup. I decided to reserve my judgment then. Thank god I did because you then exploded onto the scene. I still get wet thinking about your brace at Everton and your 72^nd second goal against West Ham. The bottom line was, Dudu in the box, ball at his feet = Goal! We wouldn’t have traded you in for Eto’o or Rooney, the way you were playing.

I can only imagine how horrific that injury must have been. Feet are not meant to be hanging off the leg at such unnatural angles. I cried my heart out and felt your pain. Not a day goes by that I don’t curse Martin Taylor with the vilest of abuse and I do not stand for his name to be mentioned in my presence. You experienced one year of hell with your future and career uncertain. Still, you fought on and you were aided by the prayers and goodwill of millions including me.

I cannot describe the euphoria I felt when your name was announced in the starting XI against Cardiff. I screamed your name out loud as if I was at the Grove (much to the consternation of my sleeping mother I must add). Just the fact that you were back would’ve been sufficient but you made it ever so special with another brace. All my fears, I thought, were in vain. He’s the same Dudu! Sadly the long succession of niggles that have so plagued you this season started then. A pull here, a tear there meant you never played 100% match fit. It was always a comeback of sorts. Still there have been those little moments of magic; that outside-of-the-foot goal against Burnley and that winner against West Ham amongst others.

By your own admission you’ve had a disappointing year. I still remember that horror show against the Spuds when you had a hat trick of 1 on 1 misses. And now that Chamakh is certainly on his way in, it does look like you’re no longer ‘indispensible’. Too many Arsenal fans are of the opinion that you’ve outlived your usefulness.

Not me. You still are one of my favorites in the current team. I KNOW you have so much more to contribute to the fortunes of this side. The boss has gone on record to state that you are a part of his plans. Yes, you won’t get too many opportunities with the wealth of forwards that we possess (assuming they all stay fit). When you do, however, you have GOT to grab them with both hands and start being prolific, fox in the box Dudu again.

There is an easier way out for you no doubt. You could go back to Vasco da Gama which is something you’ve gone on record to say you want to do before you retire. However, think of the time and money Arsenal have invested in you. Think of the fans who’ve been with you through thick and thin. Think of me, someone who is always disappointed not to see you play. This is but another challenge Dudu. Put your head down, work for it and repay the trust and love the boss and all us fans have for you.

Here’s to you dedicating the 30 goals you’re (hopefully) going to score next season to BigFourZa and me.

 

Cheers,

Maddy

 

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