Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has confirmed reports saying how he wanted manager Arsene Wenger to sign his Dutch colleague Rafael Van der Vaart.

Speaking ahead of the World Cup Finals, the 26-year old explained that life has not always been easy for him alongside the Real Madrid player but thanks to the help of former Holland coach Marco van Basten, the two learned to play alongside each other and form a nice relationship on the pitch.

Two weeks ago, the 27-year old midfielder did in fact admitted that he was very close to join his friend at Arsenal, explaining how the North London Club is a great club with some exciting players, but then opted to move to Spain.

Van Persie, who was in devastating form for his National side in friendlies last month, added how there is no way for him to leave Arsenal to play for a club like Real Madrid as there are way too many players and managers coming and going, which is not a the philosophy the Dutchman is after.

The Arsenal man concluded by saying how the philosophy of Arsenal and Barcelona is the one he appreciates the most and how he also loves to play for the Dutch National side.

He said:

It is a pity we didn’t sign him.

We used to be big rivals in national youth teams and did not get on as young lads. It was Marco van Basten who told us in the last World Cup to create a stronger bond.

He said, ‘If you and Rafael work closely together, you will both rise another level in your game’. He was dead right. We understand each other so well on the pitch.

Van der Vaart has said that, if Arsenal don’t sign him, I’ll have to join him in Madrid!

But I don’t think that is for me. Real is a fantastic club but the speed of managers and players coming and going is frightening. It must give them neck ache, looking who is coming in and going out.

They have this philosophy: You did not win anything this year. There is the door and here is a couple of million to buy you off. Ready for the next purchase.

I prefer the philosophy of Arsenal and Barcelona.

With Holland we must never play counter attacking football. Thank God we don’t do that, either.