Arsene Wenger claims Robin van Persie left Arsenal because his body-clock was ticking on dreams of silverware.
Wenger likened Van Persie’s desire for titles to a woman fearing time was running out on her chances of motherhood and admits the Dutchman felt he had a better chance of winning trophies at Manchester United.
“He had arrived at the age of 29 and thought, ‘can we win the championship here or do I have more chances to win it somewhere else’?” said Wenger, ahead of Sunday's reunion with Van Persie as new champions United visit the Emirates.
“There’s a kind of timescale - like for a woman who has no baby at 39. She starts to think I have not much time left now.”
Wenger also feared there was a danger Van Persie might sulk through the final year of his contract and that is why he decided to sell him last summer.
The Gunners' boss admitted it was one of the “hardest decisions” he has ever made but made it clear it was van Persie who forced the move rather than the club cashing in.
“Yes, of course it was one of the hardest decisions,” said Wenger. “But at some stage you have to be realistic. I can explain to you what is around that story one day. I am sure that you will be much more comprehensive about it.
“It is difficult for all the players when a player does not want to be here, to force him to be here and know that at the end of the season the club does not get anything with knowing that he might not contribute as well. So you are twice a loser.
“We have lost some other big players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, they had won with the club and they were around 30 or 31. He could help us to win because we haven’t won for a few years. That he left before that, was frustrating for us.”
Wenger has already admitted it was a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson that finally forced the deal to happen but says Van Persie was brutally honest in his desire to leave.
“It was completely honest with Robin,” said Wenger. “We had a frank exchange of views. He’s an honest guy, Robin. He tells you the truth. The truth is what you want. He was respectful until the end and we cannot complain.”
Wenger has urged Arsenal fans to show “respect” to Van Persie, which may be a little unrealistic, especially with the guard of honour to mark United’s position as the new champions.
Van Persie is seen as public enemy No.1 by Arsenal fans and is certain to get a hostile reception but Wenger will urge his players not to get themselves into any sort of trouble.
In October's reverse fixture, Andre Santos swapped shirts with RVP and was never forgiven before being shipped out on loan.
Getting shirty: Van Persie and Andre Santos at Old Trafford earlier this season
Alex Livesey
“From that moment it became more difficult for Santos,” said Wenger. “He didn’t really see anything bad in that and it was not because he doesn’t care about the game, it is just the way they do it in Brazil.
“I agree it is something that should not happen. I am against it but I have seen it in other games.
“I will ask our players to focus and give absolutely everything in this game. The chance we have to beat them is to be up for it.
“A guard of honour is just to respect those that have been stronger than you. In life if someone is stronger than you then respect him. It is not easy.
“I don’t think it deeply hurts the fans. It hurts them that you do not win it. It is a concrete realisation that you do not win it. But you show some class and it will not hurt our fans.”
Wenger warned his players they cannot expect United to be in a party mood but says Arsenal cannot afford to let up in the battle for a top-four place.
He added: “Because we suffered at Old Trafford it is a good opportunity to show we have improved since.
"It is a special game. In two to three games they will ease off. Whether they want to or not. It would be a big mistake for us to think they will ease off on Sunday.”
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Originally Posted by McNamara That Ghost...
good stuff
however will he get over it.
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