ROBIN VAN PERSIE says his relationship with manager Arsene Wenger is just fine despite being seen to criticise one of his decisions in the defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
The Dutchman was caught showing his discontent by television cameras when teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had created Van Persie’s equaliser, was replaced by Andrei Arshavin.
However, the striker, who has 27 goals in 28 appearances this season, has attempted to diffuse the situation by maintaining that he as not trying to challenge the judgement of the Gunners boss.
“I was not having a go at the boss on Sunday,” he said in The Sun. ”I was just sad to see Alex leave the pitch as he just gave the assist for our only goal.”
I was not questioning his judgement. I know it’s not my place to challenge what Arsene Wenger does.
“Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain had a calf injury. We did not know that but the boss did and brought Andrei Arshavin on.”
He added: “The manager and I are fine and my relationship with the club is good. There is no problem, there is no conflict and there is no controversy.”
Here is Van Persie’s reaction from Sunday:
