Arsenal Release Official Statement After van Persie Confirms Contract Snub

Arsenal have released an official statement in response to Robin van Persie’s revelation that he has decided not to renew his contract with the Gunners.

Following weeks of speculation van Persie announced earlier on Wednesday what many Arsenal fans feared, but most had already realised, that he had decided not to renew his contract with the club.

The 28-year-old confirmed that talks between himself, manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis at the end of last season had left him feeling that the club could not match his ambitions. Van Persie also confirmed that details over a new contract had not even been discussed at the meeting, as finances were not a priority in his decision.

Here is the full statement released by the Dutchman:

“As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss [Arsène Wenger] and Mr [Ivan] Gazidis after the season.

“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.

“I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal should move forward.

“I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.

“I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch.

“I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years. As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments.”

Van Persie is quoted as saying in the Telegraph

Put simply, RVP doesn’t believe he will be able to win trophies at Arsenal. In response to this, Arsenal released a statement on Arsenal.com this evening saying that they respect RVP’s decision but expect him to fulfil the final year of his contract at the Emirates. The full statement said:

“

We have to respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract. 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.”

The second part of the statement is likely a retort at van Persie’s hint that the club are not able to match his ambitions. It’s interesting as Arsenal have been extremely busy in the transfer market this summer and have already signed two new strikers. Were they trying to show van Persie how ambitious they are? Or are Podolski and Giroud simply replacements for the Dutchman and he will now be sold? The fact the clubs statement imply’s they expect van Persie to see out the final year of his contract suggests the former.

So now we know for sure that RVP won’t be signing a new contract, we should expect the rumour mill to go in to overdrive. Links with Manchester City and Juventus will fill the back pages for the next few weeks.

Will Arsenal sell to Man City? Will RVP risk losing his legendary status at the Emirates and move to Man City? Will he go abroad? Will any club pay the required amount for a player with only 12 months to run on his contract and who turns 29 next month?

We’ll find the answers to these questions in the coming weeks. What do you think? Leave your opinions in the comments section.