OFFICIAL: Robin Van Persie declines extending contract at Arsenal
UPDATE: The club has released the following statement following Van Persie’s surprise announcement:
“ 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 news all Gooners were waiting for and dreading finally came today as Robin Van Persie via his official site released the following statement:
“This is an update for the fans about my current situation. I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr. Gazidis and Mr. Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what’s really going on at the moment.”
“As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr. 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 FC 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 FC. 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 8 years. As soon as Mr. Gazidis is back from his 2-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments.”
Now for some clarity before I go on – while this does not say he is off, it should not be mistaken as way of saying – we’ll wait and see. It is plainfully obvious that the plans Wenger and Gazidis laid out for the club don’t mesh with Van Persie’s desire to win.
Robin is on his last contract and it is likely that he is of the mind that he needs to win now. I am sure the vision extended to him was one of continued building over the long-term while trying to win something. Not exactly lining up with his desire I would fathom. But that is speculation – still though it is a daming indictment of the backroom plan for Arsenal right now.
So what does it mean. It can’t be good. Arsenal really only have two plays now. Sell him for the best deal they can get or force him to see out the remaining year of his contract. Either scenario is dicey. By issuing the statement he has, Robin has likely lowered the amount Arsenal can get for him. No club is going to pay £30 million for a player that has basically said he wants out.
However, if Arsenal force him to see out the year, I find it hard that he won’t be a dissatisfied player. Will they truly get the best out of him even if he is playing for a contract for his next team? Even a player who in this eloquent and thought out statement professed his love for the club would be happy if they were forced to play.
The ball now is only in Arsenal’s courts and now with chum in the water the sharks are certain to circle around. I suspect teams that weren’t technically in the picture but linked like Barcelona and Madrid may start to enquire more actively. City will likely get involved but they do have the problem of having 6 strikers under contract and will need to move at least 3 to be able to clear the space and salaries. Juventus still seem likely but they are reported to only want to go as high as a £12 million deal.
For Robin there is a slight gamble as well. He has an 18 month run of success. He has been healthy and has been prolific but for someone who was here for 8 years he spent most of the time warming the trainers table. Should he get hurt at his age there is no guarantee he will get back to the form he is enjoying right now.
For Arsenal this is as I said damning. Can Wenger and Gazidis allow this to happen for a second consecutive summer? Can they allow the club’s biggest names to leave and still as Wenger said last year – be seen as a big club. Remember there is the case of Theo Walcott as well. Theo and Robin are pals. And there is some speculation that Theo was waiting to see what Robin was going to do. If Robin leaves then it is likely Theo will seek to leave as well. That would then make it two summers in a row that we have let 2 very big players go.
You have to wonder loudly again whether the management team is capable of understanding the environments of the current football landscape. The signings of Podolski and Giroud are good. But now based on Robin’s statement it seems they are as some speculated moves to replace Robin after his departure.
Fans have the right to question – what the hell is going on at Arsenal that they continue to allow this to happen.
For my part I will say as I always have. I am disturbed that this club no longer is taking the steps necessary to retain its prized assets. That being said I couldn’t care less if Robin leaves. The last time I checked my club isn’t Robin van Persie FC its Arsenal FC. I support the club not players. Players come and go. The club remains and through the thick, thin, sublime, outrageous and frustrating I will support the club I love.
Stay Goonerish!!!
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