Van Persie: We've won respect

It may have been another trophyless season for Arsenal but Gunners forward Robin van Persie says the club have won something: the ‘respect’ of the footballing world.

After looking a good bet for the Premier League title earlier in the season and disposing of Champions League holder Milan in this year’s competition, Arsenal appeared to be set for a potentially magnificent season.

That came apart however and Van Persie has spent much of the season on the sidelines injured, but the Dutchman believes the North London side have amassed a new following with their style of play which he maintains has been great to watch.

“All of England, the whole world, everyone watching, has been saying 'what a fantastic team!',” Van Persie told the official Arsenal magazine.

“We just have to make the last step, to win trophies because for the last three years we haven't won anything and that's disappointing.

“People want to come and see us at the highest level because we can play fantastic football, and that is a big step for us because last year everyone was quite sceptical.

“So that is the trophy we have won this year - respect and lots of it.

“It is a big, big compliment for the whole squad because everyone has really given it a go.

“Many teams these days are so negative - they are scared that they do not have the quality, but we aren't, no matter who we are playing.”

He added: “Neutral people are honest, they don't have an agenda and they want to see good football. So it is the biggest compliment you can get from anyone, and this is what we play for.

“But now it's up to us to keep that safe and add to it with real trophies.”