Van Basten: RvP must never leave the Gunners - Exclusive
Published 22:58 05/11/11 By Bill Mills
Robin van Persie must never leave Arsenal.
No other European club will suit him as much and he will not enjoy his football as much if he leaves the Emirates.
That is the advice Dutch legend Marco van Basten is giving the Arsenal striker.
Van Basten, the former Holland coach, 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, said: “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.’’
Van Basten went on: “Do I sound like an idealist? Maybe I do, but all those things Arsenal have to offer can play a part in the decision to stay there. The foundations are there.
“It is up to Robin to create winning ways so Arsenal will be the very best of those big clubs in the top six in England.
“I know Robin can’t do it all on his own.
“But he will have to put pressure on the people in charge, on the board, on the owner, on everyone who is involved in the highest echelons of the club, that they keep doing the right things for Arsenal, so the team can compete at the highest level.
“Last year Arsenal still had a really good team and could have gone a long way to winning the Premier League title. Now they have lost two pillars from their team in Fabregas and Nasri.’’
But does Van Persie have the personality to demand those things from Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke (below) and the board?
Van Basten said: “He has
a fantastic
personality, he is a leader, a good professional. His behaviour as a pro is immaculate. He has the authority to get involved in selection and advise the manager.
“Robin now has to make sure the club makes the right decisions, so Arsenal will be run properly.”
Van Persie has 18 months remaining on his contract and will be searching for indications of what his future could hold with Arsenal.
Van Basten explained: “It is very plain and clear.
“He can say to Arsenal: ‘I can leave or I can stay. Just tell me: Do you want to go for bigger things with me? Yes? Then you will have to invest. If you don’t want to, that’s fine, but then I am going’.
“Arsenal are a really big club.
“With a few more top- quality players around him, Robin will improve his chances when it comes to winning things and being successful.’’
