Robin van Persie: Arsenal should pay players more to make sure they stay at club

By Charlie Caroe
The Telegraph
Thursday 29 May 2008

Arsenal's Dutch striker Robin van Persie has spoken out about the club's wage structure, which he thinks stops the players being "happy".

Following the departure of midfielder Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan, van Persie told the Guardian: "It is the principle. It is very important that Arsenal keep these guys.

"This group is unique. If a number of them leave it will be different.

"Arsenal have a policy in which they will not go over a specific amount of money when agreeing the salary of a player.

"They won't pay enormous amounts of money. I think that they should go to a higher level of salary."

The Dutchman, who has a contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2011 think the club suffers when their offers are compared to Premier League and continental rivals.

He said: "If you want to keep the group together, you have to keep them happy

"If you are 27 or 28 I can understand that you would make the decision to go elsewhere if you can earn three or four times as much. If that sort of money was also paid at Arsenal I'm sure that person would stay."

"I think of myself as an Arsenal man but Arsenal should also try to make sure that we all grow together."

Van Persie, 24, who is in negotations to extend his deal under Arsene Wenger, scored nine goals in 23 appearances this season after suffering a knee injury while on international duty with Holland.