ROBIN VAN PERSIE BREAKS WENGER AND GUNNERS HEART, REFUSES TO EXTEND CONTRACT.

These are the heartbreaking words Robin Van Persie for Arsenal fans and supporters earlier today. "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. 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 eight years. As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments."



RVP: Determined Not To Look Back On Refusing To Sign A New Contract At Arsenal.

He will be joining the likes of Patrick Viera, Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas, all captains at the club but left at different times to different clubs so as to win titles, an ambition which RVP strongly feels Arsenal FC lacks. You may also recall that Emmanuel Adebayo, Samir Nasri, Kolo Toure and Gael Clichy all left the London based club citing the same reason. The last trophy The Gunners won was the 2005 FA cup after they defeated Manchester United on penalties.

The 28yr old striker who was voted Professional Footballers Association player of the year scored a total of 37 goals last season for Arsenal and is already beign courted by some of the top clubs in Europe. Already Juventus and Manchester City are rumoured to have made enquiries about the Flying Dutchman, while reports also link him with a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid.

The Gunners have already boosted their attacking options this summer - signing Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, in a bid to both improve the playing staff and convince Van Persie of the club's ambition. However, Wenger and Chief Executive, Ivan Gazidis will now have to decide whether to allow Van Persie to leave for nothing next summer, or cash in on the Dutchman while they still can. It will be interesting how this saga will unfold in the coming weeks. Nevertheless, we will keep you posted.