Van Persie slams ‘weak’ Ljungberg

ARSENAL’S Robin van Persie has described former team-mate Freddie Ljungberg’s recent criticism of the Gunners as “a bit weak”.

Ljungberg accused Arsenal of lacking ambition in the wake of his move to West Ham, citing the departure of Thierry Henry. And Dutchman Van Persie admits his comments were not well received in the Emirates Stadium dressing room.

“If you play nine years at a club like Arsenal you can say some nice words,” he said.

“If you’re coming up with excuses about Thierry’s departure and about promises from the club it’s a bit weak.

“I was disappointed and I know a few others were as well. He had a fantastic period, he was once the best player in England, so come on and say some nice things for this club, which is fantastic.”

Van Persie was carried off after netting a late winner as Arsenal beat hosts Ajax 1-0 to win the Amsterdam Tournament on Saturday.

The Dutchman will be closely monitored ahead of Arsenal’s opening Premier League match with Fulham on Sunday following a crunching challenge from his Holland team-mate John Heitinga.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: “I was very disappointed by the tackle but he looks all right at the moment.

“I think some players were a little bit overboard, but we kept our nerve. Some ways, the fact that you know you would be suspended in England if you over-react here helps us. I am proud of them because you cannot let everybody kick you without showing that the team is ready to respond. There was no over-reaction.”

The Gunners boss, meanwhile, maintained he was not dormant in the transfer market, but sees no reason to panic buy ahead of the August 31 deadline.

“Today we had Gilberto out in midfield, (Alex) Song, (Abou) Diaby and (Cesc) Fabregas did not play. So we have plenty of quality players, and the pre-season tells you that we have a big squad.”

The Arsenal manager has yet to extend his own contract with the Gunners. The board are, understandably, keen to get a new deal sorted sooner rather than later.

“I will come out at the right moment, do not worry about that,” said Wenger, who answered “yes” when pressed as to whether talks were taking place.

Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, 18, is relishing his year-long loan spell at Spanish side Osasuna.

The young Mexican has joined last year’s Uefa Cup semi-finalists Vela, having spent last term on loan at second division side Salamanca.

“This level does not frighten me,” he said. “I face a new challenge and Osasuna is a good place to show my ability.”