Did Arthur confirm Barcelona’s worst suspicions?

Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images

The midfielder has been accused of having poor discipline

Arthur has reportedly told Barcelona to buzz off.

The Brazilian, who was already on the periphery of the squad, ruled himself out not just for the remainder of the season, but all training, as well.

After being sold to Juventus, Arthur has played one game only - and for only four minutes. Every other time, he did not see the pitch.

Cameras caught him yawning quite conspicuously in the second to last game of the league season, and then the player himself reported an injury no doctor could confirm that ruled him out of the last match.

The squad was given six days off after, which he took. And when it came time for everyone to check back in, Arthur was in Barcelona. And he wasn’t coming back.

According to rumor, Arthur didn’t want to leave Barcelona. It was his dream club. They say he was forced to leave. It’s hard not to feel sympathy, especially when the player arrived with such fanfare and the hype that he could be “the next Xavi.”

But under neither Ernesto Valverde nor under Quique Setién did Arthur fully establish himself. Recurring injuries, particularly in the pelvis, kept him from establishing rhythm at times.

There was also his lack of fitness. He was frequently substituted out by both managers, even though as a young player, you’d expect he’d have enough in the tank to keep going longer.

And finally, there were the rumors of poor discipline.

His trip to Paris for Neymar’s birthday, two days before facing Real Madrid, was a huge flashpoint. He was reprimanded by the club and eventually issued a public apology. At first, it was hoped that the incident would blow over. But then, it seems like perhaps it didn’t.

Next came the snowboard controversy. Local media reported that last December, the midfielder went snowboarding while injured. This is considered highly risky, and Valverde responded by leaving him out of the squad for one game.

This latest incident will surely have Barcelona’s technical staff claiming vindication. The midfielder has not shown good discipline at all in his latest actions, quite the opposite.

Source: barcablaugranes.com