I loved Kranjcar at Portsmouth, from day one. Among a sea of nice professional footballers (Primus, James…), he was always my favourite.
Now I do question. Once I like somebody, often it takes quite a lot to change my opinion. Howver, now he has left, on reflection I do wonder if it is for the best.
Niko had clearly lost his desire to play for Portsmouth. He stated a few weeks ago that he would see out his contract and leave in the summer. I respected him for this, and still do. It is rare in this day in age for footballers to respect their contracts. If he wasn’t happy at Portsmouth, or wanted a new challege, fans shouldn’t begrudge that.
However, a lack of desire to play for a club which is fighting relegation may not have been an attitude Pompey could afford. On his day, Niko was a skillful player. However, he wasn’t always on his day. Especially recently.
A move to Spurs is probably exactly what he needs. He needs a new challenge, to be motivated again, and to be reunited with every footballer’s beloved Harry Redknapp.
Many Pompey fans on forums have been saying he is lazy and not good enough. But with love and enthusiasm, he will proabably go on to fullfil his potential, which he wasn’t achieving at Portsmouth.
It is a shame, for me atleast, to see him go, but it may be for the best all round.
