Van Persie commits to Arsenal
Robin Van Persie signs new Arsenal contract
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Wednesday, 08, Jul 2009 10:36
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, 25, has signed a new "long-term" contract with the club, it has been announced.
The Dutch forward, who has been with the Gunners since joining from Feyenoord in 2004, was the club's leading scorer last season with 20 goals from 44 appearances.
And he said he is "so happy" to have secured his future at the Emirates Stadium.
"I've been at the club for five years now and there really is a great feeling here at Arsenal," he said.
"We have a top-class manager, a squad full of superb young players, a world-class stadium and brilliant supporters.
"Arsenal Football Club has a very bright future and I want to be part of it."
Van Persie said he has become attached to life at the club and "can't picture [himself] in a different shirt".
"I just can't see it now because I love this club so much," he continued.
"If you look at the last five years, look at the steps I have made every season, if you look at the support the boss and the whole club gave me, the fans gave me, my team mates gave me - this is the right decision."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger backed Van Persie to become "a true Arsenal great" if he fulfills his potential.
"It's fantastic news that Robin van Persie has committed his long-term future to Arsenal - we're all delighted," Wenger said.
"Robin is a hugely gifted player and has the talent and goalscoring ability to win matches at the very top level.
"We have already seen many times what Robin is capable of on a football pitch, but at only 25, there is still much more to come from him."
In addition to his 177 appearances for the Gunners, Van Persie has also played 37 times for the Netherlands, scoring 13 goals.