Van Persie had doubts over spearhead role

Robin van Persie has admitted he was far from confident he could play as a main striker, but now believes he can become even more lethal in front of goal.

Arsenal captain Van Persie has developed into one of the most feared centre-forwards in the world, and looks set to breach the 40-goal barrier for club and country this season.

The Dutch international, 28, only began spearheading the Gunners attack three years ago after manager Arsene Wenger sold Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City.

Before then, Van Persie played almost exclusively as a second striker, the kind of role fellow Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp made his own at the club.

“That was the idea from day one,” said Van Persie. “I never really thought that I would end up as a main striker. I actually never played there before – I did it a couple of times at youth level but it was nothing really special. We only tried it when Adebayor went.

“The boss didn’t buy someone else because he was convinced I could do it. I wasn’t even convinced about it. I wasn’t so sure, because I didn’t really play there so much.

“Then, in pre-season, we had a game against Inter Milan. I scored a good goal, played well and he told me after the game, ‘You see? It will work’. That was the first step to being a main striker.

“I just didn’t know, and now I believe. Let’s see where it ends. Let’s see how far I can push myself, see where my maximum lies.” Van Persie’s exploits have made him the heavy favourite to be crowned PFA Player of the Year on Sunday. They have also made him one of the most coveted strikers in the world, with City, Barcelona and Real Madrid all linked with him.

Van Persie has only one year left on his Arsenal contract and has declared he will not make a decision about his long-term future until the end of the season.

Gunners fans will understandably be concerned at his presence at Barcelona’s team hotel on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea. He was spotted talking to international team-mate Ibrahim Afellay and may also have been catching up with former Gunners team-mate Cesc Fabregas.