ARSENAL CAPTAIN Robin van Persie is to leave the club after he confirmed today that he will not sign a new contract when his current deal expires.

The Dutch striker is out of contract at the Emirates at the end of the coming season, and despite Arsenal’s best efforts to tie him down, now looks set to walk away after eight years in North London.

The 28-year-old said that he did not wish to go into details “out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans,” but denied that financial terms or contract issues had caused the rift.

“It has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward,” he explained in a statement released through his official website this evening,

“I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.”

Van Persie joined Arsenal in the summer of 2004 for £2.75m from Feyenoord. He has scored 132 goals in 277 games, leaving him eighth on the club’s all-time top-scorer list.

Robin van Persie’s statement in full

This is an update for the fans about my current situation. I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr. Gazidis and Mr. Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what’s really going on at the moment.

As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.

I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.

I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last 8 years. As soon as Mr. Gazidis is back from his 2-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments.

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