Adams: Arsenal should have kept RVP

Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams insists the club was wrong to sell striker Robin van Persie to Manchester United.

Arsenal have not won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, a seven-year period marked by the departure of several high-profile names.

And the man voted as the third-greatest player in the club’s history believes the recent sale of the Dutchman will further hinder their search for silverware.

“I thought (selling) Robin was a mistake,” Adams told the BBC. “I think he could have played for four or five more years.

“I hope they do go on and win everything. Realistically, I think they will fall short again. I wouldn’t have made that decision (to sell van Persie).”

Adams also claimed his former team-mate Steve Bould may have problems in his new role as assistant manager to Arsene Wenger.

“It’s a blessing and a curse for Steve. People are going to say ‘what a fantastic defence’ because he played defence,” Adams said.

“And a goal goes in they’re all going to be turning round to him and saying ‘come on Steve you’re doing a really bad job’.

“My experience of Arsene Wenger is that he’s very offensive and it’s going to be very difficult for Steve.”