London – The best compliment Arsene Wenger could pay Robin van Persie on Friday was to compare him to a 39-year-old woman wanting a baby.
Not only that, but Wenger doesn’t think the 24-goal star deserves the PFA player of the year award. Michael Carrick is the Arsenal manager’s choice.
“Sometimes not only should the goalscorer be rewarded but the real players in the heart of the game,” said Wenger, who confirmed his side would give Manchester United a guard of honour for tomorrow’s match.
“Carrick, for me, deserves it. He is a quality passer. He could play for Barcelona. He would be perfectly suited to their game.”
Van Persie returns to Arsenal for the first time since his move to Old Trafford. His decision to quit Arsenal has been rewarded by United’s title success and he has boosted his bank balance too.
When asked whether he knew how much Van Persie was being paid at Old Trafford, Wenger looked to the ceiling, before saying: “Yes! We could not compete because it is on a scale that is massive.
“He’s an honest guy, Robin. He got to 29 and thought, “Can we win the Championship here or do I have more chances somewhere else?” There’s a kind of timescale like for a woman who has no baby at 39. She starts to think, ‘I have not much time left’.” – Daily Mail