Robin Van Persie Announces He Will Not Renew Arsenal Contract

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has announced that he will not renew his contract with the North London club.

Van Persie, 28, announced his decision Wednesday via his official website.

"I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract," the statement said.

Van Persie added: "It has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward."

Van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 for a reported fee of about £3 million (via BBC Sport). He was named captain in 2011 after the departure of previous skipper Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.

The summer of 2011 also saw Arsenal lose midfielder Samir Nasri to Manchester City.

In his first season as captain, Van Persie led the English Premier League with 30 goals, helping Arsenal to a third-place finish. Speculation over his contract—which expires at the end of the 2012-13 season—followed him throughout the campaign, with Manchester City thought to be among the interested parties, according to the Daily Mail.

Van Persie and Arsenal were set for another round of contract negotiations this week. Previously, manager Arsene Wenger had said he would try to keep Van Persie "at all costs" (via the Daily Mirror). And according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal were reportedly ready to pay Van Persie £130,000 per week in wages, plus a £5 million signing bonus.

The Gunners recently signed German forward Lukas Podolski and French forward Olivier Giroud, perhaps as potential replacements for Van Persie.

Van Persie represented the Netherlands at Euro 2012. Holland were eliminated from the tournament at the group stage.

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