So this could be the end of Robin van Persie’s love affair with Arsenal.
After signing for the Gunners back in 2004, the Dutchman is looking likely to call time on an eight-year relationship with his current employers.
His tenure in North London may have seen scandal, a lot of injuries, but it also saw one heck of a lot of goals; 132 to be precise.
His brace against Bolton Wanderers towards the beginning of his season helped him rack up his century, before going on to add another 32 strikes.
Van Persie’s goals over the last few years have been like gold dust to the Gunners especially over the past 18 months.
And being Dutch means that there have been some crackers along the way.
Here is Part One of the Top 10 RVP goals.
10. Vs Southampton (Premier League – 30/10/2004)
Manchester United ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run of 49 games the week before and after going so long without defeat Arsene Wenger’s side looked shaky. With the Saints leading 2-1 at Highbury, Van Persie wrong-footed a crowded penalty area by cutting the ball in from the right before smashing the ball into the far corner to earn the Gunners a late point.
9. Vs Sunderland (Premier League – 07/10/2007)
The game was only seven minutes old when Arsenal were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Craig Gordon was position well in the Sunderland goal but the sheer force of Van Persie’s bullet was too much for the Scotsman.
8. Vs Blackburn Rovers (FA Cup Semi-Final – 16/04/2005)
Arsenal were just eight minutes away from yet another FA Cup Final as Robert Pires’ strike had given the side their 1-0 lead. Van Persie came on in the 82nd minute of the match and went on to score twice with his first being a brilliant turn, run and shot.
7. Vs Birmingham City (Carling Cup Final – 27/02/2011)
Nikola Zigic had given the underdogs the lead in this Cup Final and with the first half close to an end, Arsenal’s captain somehow managed to bend his leg around his marker and turn the cross in for the equaliser.
Matt Cotton
@FindingCotton
Why would I torture myself watching this right now? If he decides that he's staying plz re-post. Thanks