Van Persie refuses to sign new contract

Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie yesterday issued a strongly worded statement, declaring his intension to leave the club he joined in 2004 as a relative unknown. At that stage in his career the Dutchman was viewed in a very similar way to how Mario Balotelli is perceived today; a hugely talented youngster whose great potential was in grave danger of being wasted. Arsene Wenger however had immense faith in him and stuck by him through the desperate lows such as a needless red card away to Southampton early in his Arsenal career, which effectively cost the Gunners the league championship and let’s not forget the numerous and endless injuries, most of which were sustained while playing international football with Holland. Throughout all of this Wenger was always there for Van Persie. In his role as manager and father figure Wenger nurtured the precocious youngster, and saw him develop into the world class player he is today. And how is he repaid? With a statement which not only declares Van Persie’s position in no uncertain terms, but also questions the club’s ambition, effectively placing any potential incoming transfers in serious jeopardy.
 

Van Persie declared on his official website: "I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.... 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...it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward...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...Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years."

Essentially, when the time came to commit himself to the club which has given him so much, Van Persie decided the grass looked greener on the other side and despite the offer of £135,000 a week and a £5million signing on fee, he no longer wants to be part of a club where he is the star attraction and team captain. Rather the Dutchman would prefer to become one of the crowd at a club like Manchester City in his quest to win silverware. Well, had he managed to avoid injury for more than one season, may be Arsenal would have won the trophies he so desperately craves, and incidentally I don’t remember him complaining when visiting the treatment room for months on end and still collecting his £80,000 a week wages. Although he has claimed money is not the issue, I’m sure it played its role in the decision making process.

So where do Arsenal go from here? If the Gunners decide to cash in on a player who clearly no longer wants to be a part of the club at least the fans can take solace in the fact that in contrast to last summer’s transfer window debacle, with Fabregas and Nasri, Wenger has made astute early signings, in Podolski and Giroud, who could fill the void left by Van Persie. (How’s that for ambition Robin?) According to renowned French football expert, Philippe Auclair, Giroud could be the perfect replacement for the Dutchman, with his strong physique and his great ability in receiving the ball with his back to goal and wonderful link-up play. 

Perfect rplacement? Olivier Giroud

However Arsenal would not receive anything near their £25million asking price for a 29 year old player who has a long history of injury troubles and so as indicated in their own statement the club may just hold their captain to the last year of his contract: “We have to respect Robin's decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfill his commitments to the Club...We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal's best interests in mind." Although it would be a great risk as it is impossible to predict how Van Persie’s presence in the dressing room would affect the team morale, this stance would send a clear message to the rest of the squad. For far too long, Arsenal have allowed players, who they have developed into top class talent, to effectively hold the club to ransom and it is time Wenger and Gazidis put their foot down.

In addition holding onto Van Persie for one more year, would allow Giroud and Podolski time to settle at the club and into English football, providing them with the perfect platform to take over from the Dutchman upon his departure. The club would also then possess one of the best attacks in the Premier next season and be in a very strong position to end the trophy drought which has become an albatross around its neck.

Whichever stance the club decides upon, it is important that he fans remain steadfast in their support of the team. Yes Van Persie will leave, but this is Arsenal Football Club, it has always been bigger than one player and always will be. Players come and go but Arsenal is for life: Victoria Concordia Crescit!!