Soccer, Arsenal, Robin van Persie, arsene wenger
The speculation about Robin van Persie’s exit from Arsenal began last summer when the transfer window opened. Since then Gunners have held their breaths, hoping their beloved ‘Flying Dutchman’ has a change of heart and decides to extend his stay in London. However, Robin van Persie has finally clearly declared his intentions of leaving Arsenal in the next couple of days.
The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has begged Robin van Persie to reconsider his decision but there is nothing that can change the striker’s mind now. The 28-year-old Netherlands international, Robin van Persie released a statement last night in which he talked about exit from Arsenal and thanked the club for everything.
“This is an update for the fans about my current situation,” Robin van Persie was quoted. “I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr. Gazidis and Mr. Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what’s really going on at the moment.
“As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.
“I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days.
“Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.
“I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.”
Robin van Persie’s exit from the Emirates will deliver a huge shock to Arsenal’s campaign of retaining its position in the top four of the English Premier League. The reverberations of Robin van Persie’s exit will be felt in the next couple of seasons, although Arsene Wenger has signed in a couple of talented replacements.
The addition of Lukas Podolski and Oliver Giroud will provide strength to Arsenal’s attack but it will be able to replicate the form Robin van Persie showed for Arsenal during the last couple of seasons.
Robin van Persie, who becomes a free agent this summer, morphed into a one man army last season to take Arsenal out of the bottom half of the table and back into the top four of English Premier League. Robin van Persie, who leveled Alan Shearer’s record for the most goals in a calendar year in 2011, enjoyed magnificent form last season. Robin van Persie scored 37 goals and provided assists 15 in 48 appearances last season.
Robin van Persie’s exit will be heartbreaking for most Arsenal fans, who rightly considered the Gunners’ charismatic skipper to be the last iconic player in the Arsenal squad.
“I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC,” Robin van Persie added. “Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years.
“As soon as Mr. Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments.”
