Share

Wenger: Show RVP respect!

London - Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has called on fans to "show respect" to Manchester United's Robin van Persie when he faces his old club for the first time on Saturday.

The Dutch striker spent eight years with the Gunners before shifting to Manchester United in the close season for a reported £24m transfer fee.

Arsenal travel north to Old Trafford, where Van Persie is expected to return to the United starting line-up after being rested for their League Cup defeat by Chelsea on Wednesday.

"I don't know (what reception he'll get but) I hope it is a respectful one because he has played for us for eight years, he has done very well for us," Wenger told Arsenal's website (www.arsenal.com) on Thursday.

"You want him to be respected.

"We campaign against discrimination, it was still the case last week so why should it not be the case this week?"

Van Persie has made an immediate impact for his new side, scoring seven goals in nine Premier League appearances, but Wenger said he was not wasting time worrying about the major hole he has left in his attacking line-up.

Wenger also said the team would not dwell on last year's visit to Old Trafford, which finished 8-2 in favour of the hosts.

"I believe that of course there is an emotional aspect to a result like that.

"But on a footballing front I don't think you give too much importance to a result like that."

The club also announced it would travel to Indonesia during the 2013 summer break, playing a pre-season match in Jakarta.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1170 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1364 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2074 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE