• Premier League

Van Persie fuels exit talk

ESPNsoccernet staff
October 9, 2011
Robin van Persie has captained Arsenal to a disappointing start to the season © PA Photos
Enlarge

Robin van Persie insists he has full faith in the leadership at Arsenal but says "nobody knows" where his future lies.

Van Persie, the new captain, is out of contract in 2013 and there are doubts as to whether he will extend his deal with the new-look team who are struggling to gel.

The 2-1 defeat at Tottenham last Sunday leaves the Gunners 15th in the table with seven games played, but Van Persie insists he still believes in the project.

"I have every trust in the things we are doing within the club," he said in the Sunday Mirror. "There is only a fine line between winning and losing. Just look at our last match against Spurs. We could have won that game with the chances we had. There is no need to panic for anyone."

Even so, Van Persie is refusing to commit his future to the club at this stage. "I am not going to make any statements about my future," he said. "Not now, not for a while. I've been at Arsenal eight years and that is quite extraordinary these days. Which is why I treasure this. What my future will bring, nobody knows.

"I can understand people are curious, but I am just dedicated to everything at Arsenal right now. Since November last year I've played lots of games, scored lots of goals and made assists. Twelve months' non-stop football is doing me well. I feel that I am still growing in form. It is the first time in quite a few years that I can experience that.

"My future is a private matter and, when at some point there could be some news, people will hear it. And I do realise that we have to get things going at Arsenal, but I have full confidence that we are going to do okay.

"Our start is not good. I would have felt better if we had won the derby. We didn't and right now there is a negative feeling but, I assure you, it is not all that negative. It is up to us, players and staff, to sort it out on the pitch.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices