‘Van Persie must never leave Arsenal. No other European club will suit him the way Arsenal does and he will not enjoy his football as much if he leaves the Emirates.’
These are the words of Dutch legend Marco van Basten on the Arsenal striker.
Former Holland coach Van Basten has a good relationship with Van Persie and, Arsene Wenger apart, knows him better than anyone in football.
Van Basten, who in his playing days quit Ajax to achieve glory with AC Milan, was quoted in the Sunday Mirror saying:
‘Robin must not leave Arsenal. You can’t compare my situation at Ajax. The big difference is that Robin is already at a big club.
‘Robin has been in London for six years. He can’t help it that Arsenal have won nothing in that time. So much has changed in those six years in the Premier League.
‘Chelsea have become a big club and have massive financial resources. Manchester City have become a big force and are richer than any other club. Manchester United and Liverpool have American owners. The amount of money which is flowing to these clubs for transfers is unbelievable.
‘Arsenal operate differently. I admire that. And I still think Arsenal are the most beautiful club in England.
‘At Man City and Chelsea, they will never have that class and style.
‘Arsenal have the most amazing stadium, they have a style of play, they have a beautiful shirt – in every way I consider Arsenal as the ultimate football club.
‘It is the club where Robin belongs.’
What, does the dutch-master want to make me cry?
Beautiful, your masterfuil Van Basten, very very beatiful to hear those words from your mouth not from anyone else. Wise words too coz Van Persie will never enjoy his football as he does at Arsenal. You could see the way he was last saturday. Its a sign of a man enjoying his vacation.