• Premier League

Van Persie contract talks on hold

ESPN staff
February 26, 2012
Robin van Persie will resume contract talks with Arsenal at the end of the season © Getty Images
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Robin van Persie has confirmed that contract talks with Arsenal are on hold until the summer as he looks to concentrate on on-field matters.

Van Persie, 28, has been the subject of recent speculation linking him with a move away from the Emirates Stadium with his current deal expiring in 2013.

However, speaking ahead of Sunday's derby with Tottenham, Van Persie has sought to clarify the situation, saying discussions over a new contract with the Gunners will not start before the end of the season as he only wants to focus on playing matters.

"There have been a lot of stories, generally contradictory ones, about my contract situation recently so I'd like to make it clear,'' the Arsenal captain said in Sunday's Official Matchday Programme.

"There's nothing complicated or sinister - the club and I have both agreed to speak at the end of the season and see how things stand. The boss, Ivan Gazidis and I are all comfortable with it.

"I need all my focus to be on football - on captaining this team, improving every day, doing extra work on the training pitch and preparing for the very busy schedule of fixtures we have.

"If I look down the list, there's not much time to sit down and think about anything else!

"For me, this is a time to play football and not speak about personal things. All of my energy needs to go on getting this team where we want it to be this season.''

After facing Spurs on Sunday, Arsenal take on Liverpool next weekend before then hosting AC Milan in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, where Arsene Wenger's men will attempt to overturn a 4-0 deficit.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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