Van Persie to give Arsenal his 'best years'

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The Dutchman, 25, has ended speculation on his future by signing a new, long-term deal which is reported to be worth some £80,000 a week.

"Lots of people have given me so much love from this club, and for me, it is like a small thing I have to do to pay them back," Van Persie told Arsenal TV Online.

Much like captain Cesc Fabregas, Van Persie has often talked of the need for Arsenal to now turn their potential into silverware. When the Dutchman arrived five years ago, the Gunners were the team to beat and after making his debut in the FA Community Shield win over Manchester United, van Persie was part of the victorious 2005 FA Cup side - the last trophy secured under manager Arsene Wenger.

Despite their recent barren return, Van Persie is convinced Arsenal - who reached the 2006 Champions League final - are a club heading in the right direction and had no qualms about where his future should lay.

"If you look at other players who can make a difference, their best years are always from about 25 to 30," he added. "I really had a good thought about what I wanted to do, and when you play for Arsenal, you always have other options, but my heart is with Arsenal.

"I have given my best years [so far] to Arsenal, and this is how I want it, to give my best years from now to Arsenal."

Van Persie - the Gunners' leading scorer last season with 20 goals from 44 appearances - is set to join up with the rest of the Arsenal squad, some of whom have already returned to pre-season training, next week.

So determined was the Dutch striker to complete the paperwork ahead of the new season that he did so while on holiday in Cannes.

"One of the main reasons I signed was to lift a big trophy," Van Persie added. "I do not want to do it with a different team. I want to lift it with Arsenal. That is now my main target and it would make me so proud to do it."