'New signing' Van Persie is just as good as Ronaldo, insists Gunners star Clichy

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Back and raring to go: Van Persie

Injuries ruled Van Persie out for most of last season but Clichy says the Dutchman has now improved his match fitness by playing for Holland in Euro 2008 and will provide the Gunners with a massive boost as they begin their new campaign.

Clichy said: 'He was unlucky to be injured last season so it was good to see him play game after game. It was a big blow to lose him and I'm certain that his return is going to be a great bonus for us this season.

'At Arsenal we have lots of players who can make a difference, but Robin is a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, the kind who, even if they aren't playing fantastically, can change things from one free-kick, corner or one pass.'

Meanwhile, Clichy also had praise for France playmaker Samir Nasri, who joined the Gunners from Marseille in an £11m deal and has been called the new Zidane.

Clichy added: 'He is certainly a great player but we have to judge him over the coming
years and then afterward we can talk about Zidane or whoever.'