Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie has declared that he will not sign a new contract at Arsenal Football Club, according to BBC Sport.
“I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract,” revealed RVP.
The Dutchman has just one year left on his current contract, fueling speculation that he is set to leave the Emirates Stadium for greener pastures.
Van Persie was named the Professional Footballers’ Association and Football Writers’ player of the year last season after tallying 30 goals and nine assists in 38 English Premier League appearances for Arsenal.
The Gunners’ ‘Captain Fantastic’ played a part in over 52% of the club’s league goals last season. Unsurprisingly, that was the highest percentage of any player in England’s top flight in 2011-12.
RVP discussed the club’s future strategy and policy with manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis on 16 May. Apparently, he was not satisfied with the direction of the club.
Furthermore, the Dutchman denied that financial terms were discussed during his meeting with Wenger and Gazidis in mid-May.
“As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss [Arsene Wenger] and Mr [Ivan] Gazidis after the season,” said Van Persie.
“This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.”
According to the Daily Mail, Van Persie turned down a new three-year deal worth around £130,000-per-week, including a £ 5 million loyalty bonus.
Although the deal surpassed what Arsenal paid the likes of Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas, it appears RVP cannot be bought.
Now then, it did not take long for Arsenal Football Club to respond to Van Persie’s revelation.
“ We have to respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract,” said the club’s official statement. “Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the Club.
“We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal’s best interests in mind.”
This sounds a lot like the Cesc Fabregas saga, which eventually paved the way for the Spaniard’s return to his boyhood club FC Barcelona.
With that said, I highly doubt Van Persie would request a move to Feyenoord or SBV Excelsior. The Dutchman joined Arsenal via Feyenoord for just £2.75 million in May 2004.
At the moment, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are the favorites to land the unsatisfied Van Persie, the Mirror understands.
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