2003: Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood admits some players may be forced to leave – unless they lower their wage demands. Players generally have to get real, he says. They have to realise wages are no longer going to move out of control. It is possible
2003:
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood admits some players may be forced to leave - unless they lower their wage demands.
"Players generally have to get real," he says. "They have to realise wages are no longer going to move out of control. It is possible players like Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires will leave unless they face facts.
"In recent years the wage bill has escalated by 25 to 30% but that is no longer sustainable."
Meanwhile, Vieira inspires Arsenal to a 3-1 FA Cup win over Chelsea - and admits former skipper Tony Adams has had a big effect on him. "I want to be a legend here. I learnt from Tony, a good guy, a big human being. I love the person."
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