Arsenal reward Van Persie progress
Friday, January 6, 2006
Article summary
Dutch striker Robin van Persie has been rewarded for his fine form this season, signing a new long-term contract tying him to Arsenal FC until 2011.
Article body
Arsenal FC have rewarded striker Robin van Persie for his impressive form this season by handing the Dutch youngster a new contract, tying him to the club until 2011.
Fine fettle
The 22-year-old Dutchman, who joined the English Premiership outfit in a €4m deal from Feyenoord in April 2004, has scored nine goals in all competitions for the Gunners this season. That form has helped fill the sizeable void left by injury to talismanic Frenchman Thierry Henry, and Arsenal were keen to add another three years on to his existing contract.
Wenger praise
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger believes the deal is well earned, and was quick to draw parallels with another long-serving Dutchman at the club. "Robin has come on a lot this season," he said. "I feel he has matured. He is a young player with a lot of talent and has developed his team play. If he continues to do that he will be a big player. Robin has the class to be as good as Dennis Bergkamp."
