Here we go again

It's struck again.

The illness thats eroding all that was once good about professional football has reared its ugly head once more.

If ever you needed evidence that capitalist American values have replaced that English desire to test yourself and strive to overcome your rivals has reached the roots of English football, this is it.

James Milner can and has been described in a lot of ways. A talented footballer who can play a number of positions. A model professional, always willing to meet and greet after games, England international and finally "very ambitious".

And now add Mercenary to the list.

Ambition to succeed is one thing, but out right greed is another and it is all the more prevalent these days. And it only gets you so far. Ask Gareth Barry.

He is a prime example of all the potential red flags a move to Manchester City comes with. As are Roque Santa Cruz, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge and Joleon Lescott.

All, were bought in for bumper fees under the pretence of future greatness and are now back ups to someone more expensive yet equally unproven.

And the same will happen to Mr. Milner when city don't win the league next season.

Where is the true ambition in that?

Does Milner really want to jump on a bandwagon to play 25 games next season, before being cast aside next summer when Mancini or whoever is buying the players at City gets wooed by an agent for a player with a fancy name and overhyped reputation.

Does it seriously make that much difference if you earn 100 grand a week or 70? It's not like Villa didn't put a massive offer on the table. There must be a point you reach where it really makes no difference whatsoever?

And so if its not about money, what is it about City?

They splashed the cash last year and finished fifth. Wow. A mighty one spot higher than Milner's Villa. The players City have burnt their money on this summer are remote improvements on what they already have.

He has no deep-rooted association with them, no real motivation for joining, what have they ever done for him?

Milner filled the void at the heart of the Villa side with consumate ease last season, become a regular England international and had the chance to become a true great without moving clubs.

With his progression as a footballer, he would have driven that young team on in their pursuit of reaching the next level.

Now that heart has been ripped out. And for what?

The opportunity to be part of a squad of strangers with no bond or reason to be at City other than money? I bet he is so excited.

Teams win titles and trophies, look at Spain. Lots of teams had great players in the last World Cup, but they are a great team.

Winning trophies as part of a great team used to be the focal point of a professional footballers ambition. Now, unfortunately, it seems it's all about ambition to have the largest bank balance.