Moving to a rival club: How big a sin is it?

Finally, after endless speculation, comments, letters and analysis from fans, and comics, Manchester United‘s bid for Robin Van Persie has been accepted by Arsenal. This makes me wonder, and in some way, measure, how big a sin is it?

Here, I take a look at some big names that moved to their hated rivals (English League ONLY) and how they fared, and what I expect to become of RVP.

1.Ashley Cole and William Gallas

Chelsea paid William Gallas +5 million pounds for Ashley Cole.

Adored, and loved by Arsenal supporters, part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad, Ashley Cole was one happy man. But things soon turned sour when he and Arsenal hit a dead-end over a new contract. Unable to bridge the gap, Arsenal had to let him go. Rubbing salt in the wounds of Arsenal supporters, he chose Chelsea of all clubs, with William Gallas heading the other way, after threats ranging from refusing to train and play, and scoring own goals deliberately.

While Gallas has added yet another audacious transfer in his career- from Arsenal to Tottenham, Cole has developed into one of Chelsea’s key players, fan favorite, and one of the best left-backs in the world.

Trophies won before the transfer:

Ashley Cole: 3 FA Cups, 2 Premier League titles, 2 Community Shields

William Gallas: 2 Premier League titles, 1 League Cup, 1 Community Shield

Trophies won after the transfer:

Ashley Cole: 4 FA Cups, 1 Premier League title, 1 League Cup, 1 Community Shield, 1 UEFA Champions League

William Gallas: Nothing

Verdict: 

Ashley Cole: Success – The move definitely paid off. Arsenal stopped winning trophies and Chelsea started to.

William Gallas: Fail – He won nothing at Arsenal and tarnished his image further by moving to Tottenham.