RVP: It is beige before beauty
Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by The Sun
ROBIN VAN PERSIE has ordered Arsenal to forget about pretty football.
The Gunners have not won a trophy since 2005 while often being accused of putting style above substance.
And, ahead of their visit to Aston Villa tonight, striker Van Persie said: "Nobody can play beautiful football all the time.
"When that happens I tell our lads 'If it's not happening for you, just try to kill off the game so we can move on'.
"I am still a lover of the beautiful game and always will be but I have become more realistic.
"It is too romantic to think that you can win matches by playing beautiful football alone.
"Barcelona are the exception — and I have to admit they and Arsenal are the only teams that I often watch on TV."
And Van Persie applies his 'ugly' rule to his own goals too.
He added: "I have felt more like a centre-forward recently.
"In the beginning I had to get accustomed to the idea, I was not convinced that I could play in this position.
"Since then I have become clear in my mind, and grown into the role. I enjoy scoring more now these days.
"You can see it from my goals — some come about from willpower pure and simple.
"You can see it in my face, 'OK, the ball's got to go in no matter how'.
"I used to think about other options when faced with the goal — looking to find team-mates with a clever pass, going for a hook shot or blasting it.
"I am now far more matter of fact, even though I still enjoy a good assist."
Team-mate Laurent Koscielny has no problem helping ease Arsenal's injury crisis by playing at full-back.
And he has revealed his mates have grown so accustomed to seeing him there they are calling him 'Cafu' after the legendary Brazilian star.
French star Koscielny said: "My mates tease me, calling me Cafu. It's a position I knew as I started as a professional in France at left full-back.
"Obviously, it is not my favourite position but I am happy to help the team and do my best there."
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