Allow me to be the first to hope for some sort of deal which sees Puyol coming to London in exchange.
I think the "Dick hard on Chelsea/Arsenal stars" story gives some addtional insight as to why this happend.
*sniff* I'll miss those 2 goals in 60+ games, and his complete inability to cover for Cole at LB, even though he (inexplicably) sometimes plays there for the Dutch national team. At GBP 8M+, he was Wenger's second-worst signing, just behind the jug-eared flop. I wonder how much wage relief this give us?
Gio was unlucky to injure his knee a couple of seasons ago when he was just starting to play some good stuff in the midfield alongside Vieira. unfortunately for him he never managed to break back into the team. I don't know how the Dutch national team get away with him at left-back either as he really isn;t cut out for it. Good luck to him at Barca.
Dwinkler, Totally unfair! First Gio has a massive injury, not his fault. Then he is given minimal playing time. When he does play, he's not usually in a role to be a scorer for us. I'm admittedly a big fan of his and I do realize that his time here wasn't super productive. But I'd rate him similar to Edu and if he were given a regular role in midfield I think he would become a fan favorite. Regardless, he's got more talent than Ray Parlour, why can't we loan HIM out? (like how I changed it to an anti-Parlour thread from an anti-GvB thread?)
Gio may have more talent than Ray Parlor but he doesn't have the same impact. Parlour is a very good role player. He comes on when needed and makes a difference. His work rate is outstanding. I like Gio but I don't think he'll be missed. GJ40