Goonersworld

Former Hollland coach Marco van Basten says that Robin van Persie should never leave Arsenal because he’s at the perfect club already.

The AC Milan legend admits he might be something of an idealist but also says that Arsenal should do whatever it takes to ensure van Persie signs a new deal and spends the rest of his career at the Grove. Quoted in the Sunday Mirror, van Basten 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. The amount of money which is flowing to these clubs for transfers is unbelievable. Arsenal operate differently. I admire that.”

“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.”

“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.

However, van Basten warned that his fellow Dutchman needs help to bring success and trophies back to Arsenal, and suggested van Persie should pressurise the manager, and the board, to invest in the team.

“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.

“Robin now has to make sure the club makes the right ­decisions, so Arsenal will be run properly. 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.’’

“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.”

Git wrote:

However, van Basten warned that his fellow Dutchman needs help to bring success and trophies back to Arsenal, and suggested van Persie should pressurise the manager, and the board, to invest in the team.

“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.

“Robin now has to make sure the club makes the right ­decisions, so Arsenal will be run properly. 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’.

“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.”

rodney wrote:The board probably have a price in mind already. Madrid, Barca and City have probably made initial enquiries. Things may go further in January talking wise. In the Summer it will become official.

Robin has been here for eight years. He has been more than loyal. He is coming to an age where he wants to be winning trophies. Our side aren't going to be doing that. We can't even offer him a big money deal to convince him to stay.

rodney wrote:The board probably have a price in mind already. Madrid, Barca and City have probably made initial enquiries. Things may go further in January talking wise. In the Summer it will become official.

Robin has been here for eight years. He has been more than loyal. He is coming to an age where he wants to be winning trophies. Our side aren't going to be doing that. We can't even offer him a big money deal to convince him to stay.