Dutch star will earn his place on world stage - Van Persie plays down Messi comparison
Published: 30 April, 2010
FIT-AGAIN striker Robin van Persie has called for calm over suggestions that he is as good a player as Lionel Messi.
Earlier this month Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that van Persie would have been considered a “world great” like the Barcelona star had he avoided injury and continued his early-season form.
The Dutch forward ended up spending more than five months on the sidelines after damaging ankle ligaments during an international friendly against Italy.
Messi, meanwhile, has put in a series of sensational performances this season, including a four-goal supershow that knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League.
At the time, Wenger was adamant that van Persie would have given Messi a run for his money had he not been forced onto the treatment table.
“You would have talked about him along with the likes of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, of that I am sure.
“Of course he is in that company,” said the Frenchman.
Flattered van Persie, however, admits he still has a long way to go before he can justify comparisons with the likes of Messi.
The 26-year-old completed 90 minutes for the first time since November against Manchester City on Saturday.
He believes that he needs better luck avoiding injury before he can be named alongside the games’ greats.
“I still have to prove that Wenger is right.
“Those are big words, because players like Messi are unbelievable. It is a bit early to say.
“It is not really pressure on me, but I hope to be in that place one day. I think I have the qualities to do so, but you need time, you need games and you need to be fit.
“I hope there is more to come from me. I just want to have a season without injuries and be happy.”