• Premier League

Van Persie cannot leave Arsenal - Gervinho

ESPN staff
October 24, 2011

Arsenal new-boy Gervinho says that the club needs leaders like captain Robin van Persie to stay if they are to overcome their trophy drought.

The Gunners were forced to offload Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy this summer, having not won a trophy since the FA Cup triumph of 2005. And, with Van Persie's contract running out in the summer of 2013, speculation is rife that the Dutchman may move on.

Van Persie, who scored twice in Sunday's 3-1 win over Stoke, has said he is in no hurry to sign a new deal, but Gervinho insists Arsenal must do all they can to keep their talisman.

"We always need our best players so a player like Robin, frankly, we need him to stay at the club,'' Gervinho said. ''You have to have leaders in the group and he is a player who drags the team forward. He is the captain, his role is to galvanise the group and he assumes responsibility.

''It would give me pleasure if he stayed. I have just arrived and I would like him to stay so I can play with him a while longer. Against Stoke, he came on and scored two goals. He is an excellent player and the team need him.''

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