As Manchester United look to bring back a player they had on their books as a youngster, a former Arsenal player has made a similar move.
Wellington Silva was considered a special talent by Fluminense when he made his debut as a teenager, and fans were none too happy to see him leave for Arsenal – in much the same way that United fans felt they had lost out when Pogba left for Juventus.
Several years on, and the 23-year-old is being given a hero’s welcome after a surprise return to the club where he broke through as a youngster – just like Pogba.
De volta pra casa! Wellington é do Fluzão! #SomosFluminense pic.twitter.com/sfvzfTMmZN
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) July 18, 2016
And, in much the same way that Juventus fans will be distraught if Pogba does indeed trade Turin for Manchester, Arsenal supporters are beside themselves after seeing a star name allowed to leave by Arsene Wenger.
The superstar that never was… Wellington silva has gone. One for the future 😂
— Danny Cook (@Cookster_d) July 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/pot_de_fer/status/754587440472621057
Does anyone remember Arsene Wenger signing a certain Wellington Silva 6 years ago? Well after 6 years without a single first game, he's gone
— EDAFE MATTHEW ESEOGHENE (@ELEGBETE1) July 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/RassTaheri/status/755319900885938176
The Brazilian striker had an eventful spell at the Emirates Stadium, joining Arsenal in 2010 and playing a grand total of zero senior games in his six years with the club after visa issues, followed by not-being-good-enough issues.
Players who have managed more minutes for Arsenal in that time include *deep breath* Conor Henderson, Henri Lansbury, Chuks Aneke, Daniel Boateng, Oguzhan Ozyakup, Nico Yennaris, Ryo Myaichi, Thomas Eisfeld, Jernade Meade, Isaac Hayden, Gedion Zelalem, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Krystian Bielik and Abou Diaby, Yes, even Abou Diaby.
Goodbye Wellington, and God speed.
