News emerged out of Paris last week that Brazilian full back, Dani Alves, had penned a two-year deal with Paris Saint Germaine on a free transfer from Juventus.
The acquisition of the 34-year-old active legend, meant Ivorian international defender, Serge Aurier was deemed surplus to requirement at the capital club. Head coach, Unai Emery now has three right backs at his disposal and it only makes sense for the Spaniard to trim his squad, Aurier the likely fall guy in this equation.
Last season, he made 21 Ligue 1 appearances following the arrival of Belgium international defender Thomas Meunier, who instantly rivalled him, becoming a firm fan favourite with his professional approach on-and-off the pitch.
So, what exactly could be the factors, crimes working against Aurier’s future at PSG? The player is largely seen in numerous quarters as another Mario Balotelli and he should be swiftly and properly enlightened on the dangers of emulating the evil antics of his ‘Mentor’, if he is to have a successful career at the top level, like it was projected when he hit global limelight at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Aurier arrived PSG on loan 2014/15 from Toulouse, instantly slotting in with ease into the first team despite competition from Gregory van der Wiel. His troubles started that season, when side lined in the UEFA Champions League Quarter-final game against Chelsea, he accused referee Bjorn Kuipers of bias, calling him a ‘dirty son of a bitch’ on a video posted on Facebook.
Despite his apologies, he was handed a three match ban by UEFA which he duly served. After completing a permanent transfer to PSG, 2015/16 season, the demons yet again possessed Aurier, who this time around fired shots within the team, a cardinal sin in football circles.
The Ivorian international, in company of friends in a private meeting was recorded launching attacks at Angel Di Maria, who had just arrived the club a few months ago. He described the Argentine international as a ‘Clown’, suggested Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unduly favoured and he completely went overboard referring to Coach Laurent Blanc as a “Fiotte” (a homophobic slur).
He was duly suspended from the first team, relegated to train with the reserve squad. Just a few weeks after been pardoned, he proved to be a Leopard who would never change. Aurier was reported to have assaulted a police officer outside a night club in Paris. He was subsequently found guilty of the offence, a decision which proved one-too-many at a global brand like PSG.
It appears the club have taken the decision to cut their losses, leaving him out of pre-season tour, amid talk of a potential £20million transfer to Manchester United. Perhaps the player needs to be spoken to and warned in clear terms, ahead of the move to the Premier League giants. Any furhter misbehaviour will potentially lead to the end of a once promising career.
He should take a cue from the likes of Mario Balotelli, Joey Barton who all became ‘Losers’ at such a young age, throwing away glittering careers. The aforementioned are Europeans, while Aurier is a black African, whose excesses obviously wouldn’t be tolerated.
