Fulham's Finest

Andre-Pierre Gignac is very disappointed he couldn't come to Fulham

Andre-Pierre Gignac finally got to speak with the media after being denied a loan move to Fulham.  It’s an interesting story, one that’s good for Fulham, and speaks volumes to the job Martin Jol and his crew have done to make players want to come to Fulham.  It’s promising.  An unfortunate story, but a promising one.  Here’s APG in his own words:

“Last Tuesday I was asked by the club to come and talk with my agent. We were told about Olympiakos and Fulham. I decided to listen to the London side. We went there and immediately we felt their interest was concrete and serious. We were interested. We spent the evening with coach Martin Jol and his wife. On Wednesday we had a medical. It was a wonderful welcome. So on Wednesday it was all okay. Fulham agreed with l’OM. At 11.30 pm they called me to say I have to go back to Marseille because my forward replacement would not come. I was in London so called to help l’OM sign a forward, but it could not be resolved. Three minutes after calling me to come back to Marseille, I was called again as there was an opportunity to go to Sunderland. I could not reply yes to Sunderland and no to Fulham, because l’OM just made the decision of a swap deal with Gyan.”

Here’s the important and promising part:

“At Fulham they wanted me. I didn’t see anyone at Sunderland. I’m not a mercenary. I’m not angry, but I have a bitter taste in my mouth.”

To me, like I said earlier, as disappointing as it is that we weren’t able to seal Gignac, it wasn’t our fault (it was OM’s for failing to get their replacement), and it shows us Jol’s ability to make players feel personal and wanted at Fulham, and in turn get them to join.  It’s incredibly promising.  I hope it comes back to help us later in the future.