Besides all the inhuman mistakes soccer players make in soccer matches, it is still a game of gentlemen, and it is again proven by the guard of honor many clubs offer to other teams who have recently won a title trophy. The tradition is running since long and this time it was Manchester United’s turn to accept the honor after winning EPL title. First one to accept their march is Arsenal, whose manager Arsene Wenger says that his team will offer a guard of honor in favor of United before Sunday’s match at Emirates Stadium for their valuable win in the EPL. It is a good tradition to respect the teams for their hard work and great performances throughout the tournament which made them a title holder. Wenger said, “I want the traditions of English football to be respected.”
Actually, this is not the first time a team is doing this; perhaps Manchester United was probably the first team to offer their salute to winning teams. It did this back in 1991 to Arsenal at Highbury and then to Chelsea at Old Trafford in 2005. In recent years too, United has offered their salutation to Arsenal at Old Trafford in 2002 when Sylvain Wiltord scored the only goal. Essentially, United is just getting the favor it has given to other teams, and more importantly, none of the other EPL teams has yet declared any such acknowledgement in their favor.
Wenger also appreciated Van Persie’s role in United final triumph who scored a hat trick in the final game they played before been crowned EPL champion. He said, “Van Persie is a massive talent, a world-class player who has fantastic technique and a lot of experience. You always miss a big player. It took us a while because our game went a lot through him but if you look at the number of goals we have scored, it’s similar to last season.”
“I don’t bother about it, and I don’t think Robin should bother about it either. That is the modern generation I am afraid. For Arsenal to have one of their players go to their biggest rivals of the last 20 years doesn’t sit well with their fans, nor Arsene for that matter. But it does happen. You just have to move on.”
So, it is a good tradition in the making where teams openly applaud the achievements of other clubs and create a sparkling atmosphere in the soccer field rather confronting with other.