• Premier League

RVP reveals lone striker doubts

ESPN staff
April 4, 2012
Robin van Persie has bagged 54 goals since the start of 2011 © PA Photos
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Arsenal captain Robin van Persie did not have faith he could shine as a lone striker when first handed the role by manager Arsene Wenger.

Van Persie was elevated to the focal point of the Gunners' attack following the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City in 2009. Before that point, he had been happy to operate as a second striker, drifting into the lines between midfield and attack.

However, Van Persie has emerged as one of the most lethal goalscorers in Europe, and is reportedly attracting interest from both Barcelona and Manchester City, with his contract due to expire in 2013.

"I was hoping to play as a second striker," Van Persie said. "I never thought I would end up as a main striker. We only tried it when Adebayor went. The boss didn't buy anyone else - he was convinced I could do it, but I wasn't.

"In my first five or six games I was making assists but I didn't score and I thought, 'I am a main striker now, I need to score.' When I scored my first goal I then scored seven in seven, with seven assists."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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