• Premier League

Van Persie should leave Arsenal - Ibrahimovic

ESPNsoccernet staff
February 18, 2012
Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after his penalty puts Milan 4-0 up © Getty Images
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Fresh from leading the line in AC Milan's midweek thrashing of Arsenal, striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has suggested Robin van Persie should leave the Gunners in order to chase silverware.

Ibrahimovic's comments add to the damage he caused in Wednesday's 4-0 victory in the first-leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie, when the Swede tore Arsenal apart before sealing the win from the penalty spot.

Van Persie's current contract at the Emirates runs out at the end of next season, and with clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City reportedly circling, Ibrahimovic has encouraged the Dutchman to seek a new career challenge.

"When you don't win anything for years, people understand why you leave like Cesc Fabregas," Ibrahimovic told The Sun. "Football is all about winning. If you don't win you want to go.

"I don't know Robin personally but I remember him from Holland and what a talent he was - now he is complete. I don't know what he is thinking but I know what I would do.

"I have made a lot of moves in my life - I take it as a challenge, an adventure. And I have won eight titles in eight years with different clubs in different countries.

"But if you stay in one place all your life it is easy to play football. You are at home, you are in the comfort zone. But if you move to five different places it is a real test. If you succeed that's when you become a real champion, that's when you get more respect."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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