Goran Pandev – The Bullied

By: cathal | August 19th, 2009

Legal action has been bubbling under for quite a while but things are starting to get serious at precisely the wrong time. Pandev has demanded reintegration into the squad or he will take this matter to the courts whilst Lotito remains adamant that the Macedonian has no grounds whatsoever. Whose side are you on?

Goal.com have posted a transcript of Goran’s message to the club. It reads as follows:

“According to the effects of Arts. 7 and 12 AC, as a result of exclusion, I ask for immediate reinstatement in the first team within three days. Failing that, I will protect my own interests with the necessary actions.”

I don’t know exactly what these articles consist of but I assume he is demanding to be a part of our squad for Atalanta and if he doesn’t get what he wants, we’re going to court. Lazio have responded through our own lawyer, Gianmichele Gentile:

“Pandev is contracted here until 2010, whereas Ledesma’s deal expires in 2011. Ledesma has shown an attitude of staying close to the club, and his position is different to Pandev. The Macedonian does not want to be here, he wants to go, but then he asks to be reintegrated to the squad.”

(There’s a small hint there that Cristian will be back in the squad. That news may have riled Pandev).

I liked Goran, in fact, I liked him a lot. However, Goran Pandev is not Lazio. He is contracted to play for the club when called upon and represent the club as best he can. Nowhere in his contract does it say he has the right to hold us to ransom, nowhere in his contract does it say he can demand a move whenever he likes and nowhere in his contract does it say he can just leave. I guess that means he has zero grounds and even less dignity.

Goran is the new Valon. Like Behrami, he could threaten us with Article. 17, hell, he can use it if he wants but the problem is, then he would be up in court having to defend himself. He won’t do that; he’s too chicken. That’s the reality of the situation. Instead, he will opt to threaten Lazio and bring Lazio into disrepute until he gets his wish. Well Claudio, I suggest you ready that metaphorical nail gun, find a rough bench and get to work; Goran Merda! Forza Lazio!