Back Injury Scuppers Bono’s £50 Million Manchester City Transfer
Posted on | May 25, 2010
Only days after undergoing emergency surgery for a back injury U2 singer Bono was hit with the news that his proposed move to Manchester City has been scrapped.
A posting on the band’s website today confirmed negotiations with the big-spending Premier League club had been “put on hold”.
“Bono has left hospital today to begin recuperation of his back problem. Needless to say, his scheduled medical at the City of Manchester Stadium next month will not be going ahead.
“He is disappointed that talks have broke down but right now his main concern is regaining full fitness,” the statemant said.
The 50-year old frontman was being lined up as replacement goalkeeper for compatriot Shay Given after the Donegal man sustained a broken shoulder in a Premier League match in April.
However, the move was jeopardised after news of Bono’s injury last week. Manchester City finally pulled out of negotiations with U2 management today when it was revealed that his recuperation could last up to three months.
That would rule Bono out of next season’s August fixtures.
Only last month City manager Roberto Mancini spoke of his admiration for Bono (real name Derek Flood).
“I believe a charismatic, emotional Irishman in goal is the ideal basis for us to challenge for honours next season.
“Bono Vox would be perfect. He can talk, he can organise his defenders. A team needs a big personality between the posts. What he lacks in height he makes up for in character. He really dominates the box, much like he dominates the stage for his band.”
It is understood that unsettled midfielder Stephen Ireland was to be used as a makeweight in the deal to bring Bono to Eastlands. Had the transfer been finalised U2 would have received £40 million sterling plus the 23-year old Corkman.
The band were planning to kick off the North American leg of their “360m Dollars” tour next month with Ireland on vocals.
In an interview on TV3′s Xposé, band manager Paul McGuinness admitted today’s developments were a major setback:
“Bono was really looking forward to proving himself in the best league in the world, so obviously he’s gutted. From our point of view, having Stephen as our new singer would have presented an entirely new challenge for the band.
“In recent years, Bono had developed into a boring, middle-aged family man. Which is fine and all, but not very exciting.
“But a talented, temperamental 23-year old who’s clearly bonkers as our new frontman could have brought an element of danger and unpredictability to the live shows that’s been missing for a long time.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. So we’re stuck with the midget mofo and City are stuck with the bald brat (laughs). C’est la vie, I guess.”
In other news, former Boomtown Rat man Sir Bob Geldof has been sacked as manager of the Ugandan national team after an unsuccessful six month tenure.
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