Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Gunners tie down van Persie

08 Jul 2009 - 10:23:54

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Netherlands striker Robin van Persie has committed his long-term future to Arsenal after signing a new contract.

Van Persie, 25, has put pen to paper on a new "long-term" deal with the Gunners to end the rumours which had emerged in recent weeks linking him with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

The former Feyenoord striker had been mentioned as a possible summer transfer target for Manchester United.

"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," he told the club's official website.

"My heart is with Arsenal and I just can't picture myself in a different shirt. I just can't see it now because I love this club so much.

"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."

Van Persie was the club's 20-goal top-scorer last season and manager Arsene Wenger is delighted with the contract agreement.

"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," he added.

"Robin has the potential to become a true Arsenal great."