Robin Van Persie Will Not Sign New Contract with Arsenal

Sky Sports News has reported that Arsenal captain Robin van Persie will not be signing a contract extension at the Emirates. His current deal ends after the 2012-13 season.

"I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract," last season's English Premier League leading goalscorer (30 goals) said on his official website. (The report was picked up by numerous news outlets, including Sky, but van Persie's site was down due to high traffic.)

"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 said he has kept quiet about his future in recent weeks out of respect for the club, and a desire to honor an agreement forged with Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis and manager Arsene Wenger.

But, after the rash of media reports circulating about his future van Persie decided to actively address the rumors and inform fans as to what is really going on.

"

As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss (Wenger) 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.

"

Van Persie also said that he will meet again with Arsenal brass following Gazidis's return from a two-week vacation in America, and that he will update fans, "if and when there are more developments."

With speculation rife about a potential move to Manchester City, and with Arsenal running the risk of losing van Persie on a free transfer following next season, they may seek to sell their talismanic Dutchman before the end of the transfer window in order to net a return on what promises to be a profitable sale.

Van Persie has spent seven seasons at Arsenal since joining from Feyenoord ahead of the 2004-05 season.

After seeing injuries derail the majority of his first five campaigns, van Persie has enjoyed a wonderful run of fitness since January 2011, which has unsurprisingly correlated with his flowering form in front of goal.

Van Persie nearly set the record in 2011 for most goals in a calendar year by a Premier League player, coming just one short of Alan Shearer.