Former Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie has admitted that he wanted Arsene Wenger to sign Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini during his spell with the Gunners.
The former Netherlands international spent eight years with Arsenal before controversially leaving in 2012 to join Manchester United. His move to Old Trafford was seemingly the result of frustration due to Arsenal’s inability to challenge for major trophies.
While Van Persie’s move to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side probably prevented him from being an icon at Arsenal, it did help him to win one Premier League title in 2012-13. That was arguably something that he would not have won had he remained with the Gunners.
Van Persie has admitted that he tried to convince Wenger to sign Chiellini after struggling against him whilst on international duty for the Netherlands.
“I played against him [Chiellini] a few times, and that is real a winner. You saw that a few weeks ago against the Dutch national team,” the Dutchman said in a YouTube interview with Kaj Gorgels.
“He’s 36, but gives nine elbows smiling. He keeps smiling and doesn’t even get a yellow card. You need that kind of winners, killers, I thought we should have him.
“I came up with suggestions and names based on them, my own experiences. We were very good at the front and scored a lot, but your goalkeeper and your last line are the foundation of your team.”