Robin Van Persie Reaction: Former Players, Club, Angry Fan, Alisher Usmanov

Robin van Persie's Arsenal career is likely over. On Wednesday, the Dutch forward and club captain announced he will not extend his contract with the North London club.

Reactions quickly poured out from all over the web, with fans, players, media and others sharing their opinions about Van Persie's announcement.

The reactions range from measured and thoughtful to reactionary and over-the-top. What follows is a sampling of the reaction.

First, though, make sure you read Van Persie's statement in its entirety on his official website.

Media View: Fans out of Patience

In a blog piece posted Wednesday, The Guardian's Kevin McCarra argues that Arsenal fans are running out of patience with the club.

McCarra argues that fans should not view Robin Van Persie as a mercenary, but rather as an ambitious player who felt the club was not willing to match his vision for the future.

Regardless, the Van Persie situation is a sadly familiar story for Arsenal fans. Last summer, the Gunners lost Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City.

In recent seasons, Manchester City have plundered Arsenal's roster for Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.

As fans are now wondering, when will it end?

Fans: Boiling Anger

Some fans, however, aren't listening to Kevin McCarra or any other media voice.

This fan, who has been featured by the Daily Mirror, is irate with Robin van Persie. The fan sees Van Persie's statement as a disingenuous ploy to let fans exonerate him for taking a big-money deal.

Watch the video at left. The man's anger is nothing short of breathtaking. (Warning: NSFW language)

Club Statement

Arsenal released a brief statement Wednesday following Robin van Persie's announcement.

Here's the full statement, via the club's official website:

"

We have to respect Robin's decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the Club.

We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal's best interests in mind.

"

Parlour: Sell Now

Arsenal's official statement indicated that Robin van Persie will be expected to see out his contract, which runs through the 2012-13 season.

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour, however, thinks that would be a bad decision.

Here's what Parlour said, per talkSPORT:

"

Arsenal must sell him straight away. You can’t keep a player like that. I really believe that once a player says he doesn’t want to stay then what is the point in keeping him for a season?

"

Parlour suggested Arsenal use the money from Van Persie's sale to buy a striker like Newcastle's Papiss Cisse.

Merson: You'll Regret It

Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson had strong words for Robin van Persie. Merson said Van Persie might "regret" the move quickly.

Here's what he said, per The Sun: "Not many players leave Arsenal and don’t regret it. If they don’t sell him, the fans are going to slaughter him.”

Usmanov: Board at Fault

Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov is Arsenal's second-largest shareholder. To put it kindly, he was not pleased with Robin van Persie's decision.

Usmanov, though, didn't blame Van Persie. He blamed Arsenal's board.

Here's what Usmanov wrote in an open letter, per BBC Sport:

"

Yet again we are faced with losing our true marquee player because we cannot give confidence we can win trophies. Where are the safeguards to ensure this doesn't happen again?

"

What are your views, readers? Let me know in the comments or via Twitter @MikeCummings37.

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