Former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has told Robin van Persie that if he wants to leave, he needs to do it now.
Former skipper tells Arsenal captain he needs to think about future
Former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has told Robin van Persie that if he wants to leave, he needs to do it now.
Van Persie currently has 18 months left on his current deal, and the Dutchman has admitted to not being in any hurry to begin contract talks.
And Fabregas, who quit Arsenal in the summer to sign for Barcelona, has told van Persie this could be his last chance to leave the Emirates, given he is already 28.
"I don't know if they will keep him. It is his decision," Fabregas said of his former team-mate.
"At his age, if he wants to move it will be his last chance and if he wants to stay he will stay and retire at Arsenal.
"We will see what he decides but he's been very loyal to Arsenal for a few years. He is a key player, the fans love him.
"He is the role model of Arsenal, the star player and they cannot afford to lose him.
"He is having an amazing season. Hopefully he will be fit for the whole season.
"Unfortunately when I was there, he never enjoyed a whole season without injury."
Happy
Fabregas himself is loving life at Barca and he hit back at Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood - who suggested he would not get his game at the Camp Nou.
"Some people thought I wouldn't get in the team [at Barca]," said Fabregas.
"Maybe they didn't believe in me too much. I speak to the boys at Arsenal.
"Arsenal gave me everything and I will never forget that. It will always be a special club. The fans have always been amazing to me. I only have amazing words to say about them.
"It was a shame they started so badly but now they are back to winning ways and doing well."
