Former A.C. Milan striker Marco van Basten believes that Robin van Persie should stay at Arsenal until the end of his career.

Speaking to the Mirror, the 47-year old explained that football has changed since the Dutchman joined the Gunners from Feyenoord adding that he is an admirer of Arsenal’s policy in how they run the Club, opting not to spend in the same way other Clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City opted to do over the last few years.

But, van Basten also believes that van Persie cannot push the Gunners to trophies without any help and how therefore it is vital for the North Londoners to keep their best players and to strengthen the squad, if possible.

van Basten concluded by saying that the Arsenal captain is in a position to be involved when important decisions are to be taken, adding that a “few more ­top-quality players” would help his compatriot in his mission to bring silverware to the Emirates.

On van Persie, van Basten said:

Robin has been in London for six years. He can’t help it that ­Arsenal have won ­nothing in that time.

So much has changed in those six years in the Premier League. Chelsea have become a big club and have massive ­financial resources.

Manchester City have ­become a big force and are richer than any other club.

Manchester United and ­Liverpool have American owners. The amount of money which is flowing to these clubs for transfers is unbelievable. Arsenal operate differently. I admire that.

And I still think Arsenal are the most beautiful club in ­England. At Man City and Chelsea, they will never have that class and style.

Arsenal have the most ­amazing stadium, they have a style of play, they have a ­beautiful shirt – in every way I consider Arsenal as the ­ultimate football club.

It is the club where Robin belongs. Do I sound like an ­idealist? Maybe I do, but all those things ­Arsenal have to offer can play a part in the decision to stay there. The foundations are there.

It is up to Robin to create ­winning ways so Arsenal will be the very best of those big clubs in the top six in England.

I know Robin can’t do it all on his own. But he will have to put pressure on the people in charge, on the board, on the owner, on everyone who is involved in the highest ­echelons of the club.

[For them] to keep doing the right things for Arsenal, so the team can ­compete at the highest level.

Last year Arsenal still had a really good team and could have gone a long way to ­winning the ­Premier League title. Now they have lost two pillars from their team in ­Fabregas and Nasri.

He has a fantastic personality, he is a leader, a good professional. His behaviour as a pro is ­immaculate.

He has the authority to get ­involved in selection and advise the manager.

Robin now has to make sure the club makes the right ­decisions, so Arsenal will be run properly.

It is very plain and clear. He can say to ­Arsenal: ‘I can leave or I can stay. Just tell me: Do you want to go for bigger things with me? Yes?

Then you will have to invest. If you don’t want to, that’s fine, but then I am going’.

Arsenal are a really big club. With a few more ­top-quality players around him, Robin will improve his chances when it comes to winning things and being successful.