Eric suffers from Qatar!

Cameroon International, Eric Djemba-Djemba was a firm favourite with the Clarets fans last season after joining them on loan from Aston Villa.

The 26 year old midfielder was instrumental in finally ensuring the Clarets survived and avoided relegation after that miserable 19 winless run.

It was a hope for many fans that he would sign a permanaent deal in the Summer or at least be available for a season long loan. The player himself indicated he had enjoyed his stay and would consider joining the Clarets if the right deal could be struck.

As the pre-season commenced however, it became clear it was going to be an uphill battle to sign the player and it was increasingly becoming obvious that the player's ambitions( or at least that of his agent) had more to do with finance than career as a footballer.

He was linked with clubs in Portugal and France. One being Lille, his former club.

The news then broke that Aston Villa would be releasing the player fueling speculation that we might now be able to sign the out of contract player on maybe lower wages, giving him the opportunity to at least showboat himself in the Championship in a different Claret & Blue shirt!

All sorts of rumours were banded about on various messageboards, in one case it was suggested Eric was on the phone to Steve every other day trying to negotiate a deal. The club then announced they wouldnt be able to finance a deal and there was talk that if they did sign him it would break their pay structure.

A lot fans though refused to accept he wouldnt be coming, clutching at straws whilst he remained clubless.

Now finally, we hear he has signed for Qatar SC which is quite clearly more related to making him rich than furthering his footballing career. Surely, he cant possibly believe that the one year deal will attract him to other top UK or European clubs in a years time. He is only 26 and in my opinion has let down not just many Clarets fans but also himself. I suspect even the clubs in the Championship will refuse to be interested in the player.

Its not clear at what point, Qatar SC began to show interest in the player although its interesting to note they have just offloaded midfielder, Jay Jay Okacha to Hull so maybe he was being lined up as the replacement.

Oh well at least this long saga draws to a close and its not good news for the Clarets who still require to bolster the midfield.

Very disappointed in Eric, almost to the extent of saying good riddance. Oh well onwards and upwards!

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