Elliot no longer felt anything, and although he could summarise the choices available in a given situation as well as anyone else, without his emotions to guide him he could not actually make a choice.

ECONOMIST: Emotion is essential to human survival

"It's been pretty slow all round in the transfer market this year, probably given the economic situation globally, " he said.

BBC: Martin impressed by Posh signings

Just the same, the situation is unusual and, given that he will soon become AbbVie ceo, the Abbott board should take a closer look at his credentials and ensure everything is truly in order.

FORBES: Abbott Board Should Probe Confusion Over Gonzalez Credentials