Robin van Persie: The tale of Arsenal's Flying Dutchman

There was a point in time where the top players of the game actually wrote transfer requests in order to sign for Arsenal. During the early 2000′s, Arsenal were considered the best team in England, and hence were able to attract world class players. A prime example was Sol Campbell who risked the wrath of Tottenham fans when he defected to rivals, Arsenal back in 2001. However times have changed and now it’s the opposite. When one thinks of some of the few Arsenal players who left the club in search of trophies, medals and to an extent, money elsewhere, names such as Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini, Emmanuel Adebayor, Thierry Henry and Gael Clichy come to mind. Some have gone on to win league titles while some have gone on to win cups, while some have even gone on to receive increased paychecks while remaining on the bench. However, of all the players who’ve left, one who many would have expected to leave by now, hasn’t – Robin Van Persie, the new Arsenal captain, who will now lead Arsenal into a new era.

Young RvP

Van Persie, since joining Arsenal in 2004 as a 21 year old from Feyenoord, has become a household name for Arsenal fans, with his killer left foot strikes, pleasing to the eye dribbles and scintillating free kicks. This guy had been dubbed the new Dennis Bergkamp for a reason. Making his first appearance for Arsenal as a second half substitute for Thierry Henry in the 2004 Community Shield, he won his first trophy in the process. The same season, he went on to win the FA Cup in 2005 against Manchester United, playing a major role in the game and also scoring one of Arsenal’s penalties in the shootout. However, his trophy cabinet was to start its rust there on after, as Arsenal’s ongoing run of 6 years without a trophy had begun. There was to be more disappointment on the international stage as Van Persie, who scored in both his World Cup appearances in 2006 and 2010, ended up going out in the round of 16 and in the final respectively.

Van Persie had no problem collecting individual awards however, as he has received Premier League player of the month awards, a EURO 2008 bronze boot, as well as being Arsenal’s player of the year in 2009. He also recently broke a record by being the first Premier League player to score in nine consecutive away matches, beating Drogba’s earlier record.

Van Persie has had more than enough of his fair share of injuries, but whenever he has been on the pitch, he just proves how devastating a striker he is. The proof? – In the 2010-11 Premier League season, he was out till late December 2010, but when he returned what was his goal tally till May 2011? 22 goals in 26 starts and 67 goals in 114 league starts in his Arsenal career. This alone, shows how vital Van Persie is to Arsenal for their title hopes, if they can keep him fit.

Wenger's choice

However, it’s been 6 years since Van Persie last won a major trophy – so why hasn’t he left yet? Well, one thing is for sure; he loves Arsenal to the core. He has huge respect for Arsene Wenger as if it wasn’t for him, he first of all, wouldn’t have been playing first team for one of Europe’s giants not only in the Premier League, but the Champions League as well. In addition, he wouldn’t have been an international superstar for the Netherlands. Just recently, he scored 4 goals against San Marino in an 11-0 thrashing. Van Persie might even retire with Arsenal, maybe playing his testimonial match against Feyenoord. It’s not about the money for Van Persie either – he’s happy with his paycheck.

“This is the best team for me to be in. The bottom line is that I want to win trophies with Arsenal, not with anybody else. I know you can win trophies in many countries and in many ways, but I want to do that in our way and in an Arsenal shirt.”

His loyalty and leadership among the current group of Arsenal players has led to him being named the new Arsenal captain, following the departure of Fabregas. Van Persie can surely help motivate his teammates and keep them calm in situations reminiscent to the 4-4 draw with Newcastle.

“Robin will be more vocal than Cesc – they are different personalities – and he speaks his mind with everybody, but without bad feelings. I think that’s an interesting quality, and he’s one of the players who can lead this group. Hopefully he looks more settled now and, if he can have a strong season with no injuries, he will be the perfect leader. I am convinced about that.”

The star of the Emirates

The real question is, can 28 year old Van Persie, as captain, have an injury free season and finally win a much awaited trophy? His contract ends in 2 years and it would be an utmost disaster if he left on a free transfer in search of medals elsewhere. A major point to remember is that Arsenal’s last three captains didn’t retire with the club and left for another club. However, if he does stay and retire trophy less since 2005, it’d be a huge shame as such an immensely talented footballer would leave the beautiful game without the truly deserved amount of trophies and accolades, but with the utmost respect of Arsenal fans for his sincere loyalty. Either way, it’s now or never for him and the Gunners – they must win some trophies if they don’t want to lose more star players, especially their new captain, the flying Dutchman.

RvP's last major trophy success (2005)