Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has compared Robin van Persie to Cristiano Ronaldo and says his return to fitness will be like having a new signing at Arsenal this season.

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 freekick, corner or one pass." Meanwhile, Clichy also had praise for France playmaker Samir Nasri, who joined the Gunners from Marseille in an £11million 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."

• This is an extract from the full Gael Clichy interview, which features in the August issue of the Official Arsenal Magazine, available now.