Robin Van Persie
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has criticised unnamed "English colleagues" for their hedonistic behaviour and raised doubts over Arsenal's ability to challenge for the title.
The Dutch forward's words are not likely to find favour with Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger as he attempts to rally his squad for another tilt at the silverware that has proved elusive since the 2005 FA Cup.
Reflecting on his motivations, Van Persie rejected the notion that money or lifestyle were enough to keep him happy, but appeared to question whether young English players shared his philosophy.
"The really top players aren't fooled by riches or fame because they are fully focused with their football," he said.
"For me, it's very important to be having breakfast every morning with my two children and that wouldn't be possible if you were hanging about in a disco all night.
"When I see some of my English colleagues who are out till three in the morning, then I can only conclude that they are invariably finished at 33."
As for Arsenal's prospects of winning the Premier League title, Van Persie appeared downbeat after Arsenal again failed to mount a credible challenge last season, despite being well set going into the final third of the season.
"Every year it always goes wrong in an identical way and that is frustrating," said Van Persie. "When you look at results in the last years, then Arsenal shouldn't be talking about winning the league because too many times things have gone wrong.
"Sometimes you have to eat the truth and be realistic. But I do believe with the signing of a number of players, then next season we should be in there competing for prizes."
Last Friday Van Persie issued a statement through the Arsenal website after other comments attributed to him Sport 1 heavily criticised players at Chelsea and in Spain.
"I'm on international duty at the moment but following several reports in the media I think it's important to clarify some recent comments attributed to me.
"These reports falsely suggest that I recently made negative comments about Spanish and Chelsea players, I would like to make it perfectly clear that I haven't done an interview with Sport 1 or any other outlet in recent weeks and I've certainly not been rude as the comments suggest.
"I respect my colleagues of Spain and Chelsea and look forward to playing against them for many years to come. I sincerely hope that all football fans worldwide don't take these misleading reports seriously.
"I wish you all a great summer!"
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