Van Persie hints at Arsenal stay

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has hinted that he might remain at the Emirates, amid speculation about where his future may lie.

The 28-year-old has 18 months left on his existing contract and is yet to come to an agreement over an extension to his stay in north London, with some reports pointing towards interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.

Now the Dutchman has claimed that his family has settled down well in London, with the former Feyenoord man having been at the club since 2004.

“We love the life in London and I enjoy watching my kids grow up here,” Van Persie told reporters.

“They grow up like the English kids with good manners and values of England.”

“The place where we live, just outside the city, is fantastic. We have everything we want.”

“The English people are so incredibly polite where I live. People are nice here. That makes life a real pleasure.”

“My children have become more English than Dutch. They have taken up the culture and values of England.”

“It makes me melt at times when I see how well my children are doing here. When Shaqueel has half-term with school, he does not want to go back to the Netherlands any more.”

Van Persie had a stellar 2011. He scored 35 Premier League goals during the course of the calendar year, beating Thierry Henry’s Arsenal record but falling one goal short of equalling the Premier League record held by Alan Shearer.

His final goal of 2011 was against Queens Park Rangers on New Year’s Eve. As the only goal of the match it ensured the Gunners took the three points and moved into the top four of the Premier League for the first time this season.

The Arsenal captain attributed his outstanding performances during the year to his desire to repay the fans for their support.

“It is the biggest compliment I could wish for,” Van Persie added. “Arsenal fans are real lovers of the game.”

“They don’t miss anything in the stadium and are there for the team and the individual players.”

“I have to admit I love banners like ‘We don’t need Batman, we’ve got Robin’ and stuff like that.”

“I also love it when I run on to the pitch and I hear the entire crowd roar. What bigger compliment could I wish for as a player?”

“At Arsenal, the fans so want me to do well. And that gives me a kick. That’s what I do it for. As a thank you, I want to give them so much in return on the pitch.”