Arsenal new-boy Gervinho says that the club needs leaders like captain Robin van Persie to stay if they are to overcome their trophy drought.
The Gunners were forced to offload Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy this summer, having not won a trophy since the FA Cup triumph of 2005. And, with Van Persie’s contract running out in the summer of 2013, speculation is rife that the Dutchman may move on next.
Van Persie has said he is in no hurry to sign a new deal, but Gervinho insists that Arsenal must do all they can to keep the man who netted twice against Stoke at the weekend.
”We always need our best players so a player like Robin, frankly, we need him to stay at the club,” he said.
”You have to have leaders in the group and he is a player who drags the team forward. He is the captain, his role is to galvanise the group and he assumes responsibility.
”It would give me pleasure if he stayed. I have just arrived and I would like him to stay so I can play with him a while longer. Against Stoke, he came on and scored two goals. He is an excellent player and the team need him.”