Van Persie's Contract Extended

Sweet!

Robin van Persie very recently penned a new long term contract with Arsenal, reported to be worth around £80,000 a week over five years.

Van Persie was quoted saying in relation to our direction for the coming season, "There is ambition. I have spoken to both the boss and (chief executive) Ivan (Gazidis) about it," he continues, "I trust him and my message to everyone is: be patient, trust the team and the people above."

There's a good feeling surrounding the Arsenal camp and I think RVP's contract extension is fantastic seeing that Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs have all extended their obligations to the Gunners over the summer as well.

Wenger doesn't seem to concerned in getting more players at the moment and I am slightly concerned. So far the only addition to the squad is Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgium defender. I hope there's more to come though.

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Nike Total 90 Ascente Testing Notes Released : Barcelona

Nike Football has released the testing notes from the Nike Total 90 Ascente football testing done at Ciutat Esportiva, the the training ground and Academy base of the 08/09 European Champions.

Date: 28.01.09
Location: Ciutat Esportiva
Weather conditions: Clear blue skies, no wind, sunny. Temperature of 15C.
Pitch conditions: Short grass (1.5cm). Good conditions. Pitch was sprayed 10 minutes before training.
Players and staff: The full squad took part, except Gai Yigaal Assulin. Head Coach Luis Enrique led the
session.

Watch the ad that we put up in a previous post.

TESTER'S NOTES:

Warm, clear skies. Perfect conditions. Balls filled to 11psi.

Team session: Running with ball in pairs. Short passes. Headers, chests, volleys. Busquets, coached the
keepers: “The touch is perfect.”

Accuracy contest: All players on 16 metre line. Who can land the ball in the centre circle? Puyol took it. Who can hit the cross bar, repeatedly? Iniesta walked away with this one. They say he always does. I like to think the ball helped.

Shooting session: Led by Assistant Coach Joan Barbara Mata: “The ball bends nicely when you shoot.”

Next stop Arsenal.

Details and photos taken from Nike Football.

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