Before the Earth shattering voting results got announced yesterday, Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger made his very strong opinions known on the Brexit issue. Then Gunners goalkeeper Petr Cech spoke out Friday, also giving an extremely strong take; as well he should as this is a huge global issue adversely affecting financial markets worldwide.
One player’s agent thought he could exploit Brexit fears and uncertainty in order to cash in from one of his clients. Martin Schoots, who represents Danish Tottenham Hotspur winger Christian Eriksen said that Britain’s exit from the European Union is weighing heavily on his client’s mind.
Schoots falsely claimed that the Brexit could affect which direction Eriksen decides to take his career.
“We are underestimating the danger,” he told Italian publication La Repubblica.
“The truth is that half the Premier League players will see their work permits turned into scrap paper.”
“In a situation like this, I’d take my client away from Tottenham.” (hat tip Daily Express)
We had a sense, right off the bat that Schoots was obviously exaggerating and fear-mongering, but then again there’s a reason “business is war” and “the story is agent driven” are infamous cliches. It’s his job, as an agent, to try and get the best deal. Of course, Eriksen himself destroyed this ruse by exposing it as completely made up.
Here’s what Christian Eriksen Tweeted from his official verified account:
Strange news item!!! My agent never spoke about this EU subject. #coys #funnystories
— Christian Eriksen (@ChrisEriksen8) June 24, 2016
There have been reports throughout 2016 that Spurs are in talks with the Eriksen camp over a new five-year contract, reported to be worth nearly £23 million.
It would keep the Dane at White Hart Lane until 2021 and would increase his weekly salary to £80,000. However, this potential deal has not been signed, and Schoots’ invented narrative is a rather dubious and questionable negotiating tactic.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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