Van Persie pens new deal

Van Persie: New deal

Related links

Teams

• Arsenal

Players

• Robin van Persie

Also see

• Transfer Centre
• Clockwatch
• Papers
• Your View
• Betting

Arsenal have confirmed that Robin van Persie has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The Dutch striker joined the Gunners from Feyenoord in 2004 and has made 177 appearances in total, scoring 63 goals.

He has been troubled by injuries at times but enjoyed an excellent 2008/9 season to help the Gunners finish fourth in the Premier League and reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

Speculation surfaced last month linking Van Persie with a move away from Emirates Stadium but he immediately dismissed the reports.

The 25-year-old has now backed that up by committing his future to Arsenal.

Delighted

"I have been at the club for five years now and there really is a great feeling here at Arsenal," he told the club's official website.

"We have a top-class manager, a squad full of superb young players, a world-class stadium and brilliant supporters.

"Arsenal have a very bright future and I want to be part of it."

Arsene Wenger also expressed his happiness at the deal and tipped Van Persie to go from strength to strength over the coming years.

"It's fantastic news that Robin van Persie has committed his long-term future to Arsenal Football Club, we're all delighted," said the manager.

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