In a single statement Robin van Persie has launched large
sections, if not all, of the Arsenal support into an identity crisis. Where has
our football gone? Ironically, a player famed for learning his trade on the
streets, has called into question the very concept behind the so-called
"joy of the game." It is not uncommon to read posts from Gooners
around the world decrying van Persie's statement and announcing the end of the
game as we know it. It is a personal blow, because unlike many recent Arsenal
exports, van Persie was believed to be "one of us." He is the last
player from the era of the Invincibles. No, he wasn't one of them, he was
brought in directly after that achievement, and remained one of the few at the
club since with the technical quality and innate footballing bravura to play
alongside some of those greats.
Initially I was gutted by the announcement on van Persie's
official site. I have been an admirer of this player more than any other since
the Invincibles, and given my worship of Bergkamp, Robin is a natural choice as
his successor. He has scored some amazing goals, is capable of jaw-dropping
close control [a certain pre-season goal against Inter Milan comes to mind],
and this past season has demonstrated an uncanny ability to find space in
crowded penalty areas and appear unmarked despite the whole world knowing how much
we relied upon him as our primary [and at times singular] goal threat. On top
of all this he regularly speaks with intelligence and enthusiasm about the game
and particularly the attacking, technical, pass and move style espoused by
Wenger throughout his Arsenal reign.
