Robin van Persie has poured cold water on reports linking him with a move to Barcelona.
The Arsenal captain was seen at Barcelona’s team hotel in London on Monday, prompting speculation in some sections of the media - but Van Persie has revealed that there was nothing untoward about his visit.
Speaking in his notes for the Official Matchday Programme, he said: “The explanation is really very simple. My very good friend Ibrahim Afellay plays for Barcelona.
“After a bad long-term injury he was finally back with the team - and during his absence I had been in contact with him a lot, but I hadn’t seen him. This was an opportunity for me to go and visit a close friend, show him my support and catch up.
“Unfortunately this had to be at the hotel, because he was not permitted to leave it. I was wearing my Arsenal tracksuit and we sat down by the reception to have a chat and some food - everyone could see us and there was nothing to hide. I can’t imagine anyone conducting transfer negotiations in these circumstances!”
И ни слова про Фабрегаса, так-то