By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: <a href='http://bit.ly/lRx0Da' class='instorylink'>@skygraemebailey</a>
Thursday 16 August 2012 09:31, UK
Image:Thomas Vermaelen: Sad to see Robin van Persie leave
Arsenal ace Thomas Vermaelen could not hide his disappointment after it was confirmed Robin van Persie is set to join Manchester United.
Belgian still feels Arsenal can challenge
Arsenal ace Thomas Vermaelen could not hide his disappointment after it was confirmed Robin van Persie is set to join Manchester United.
The Belgian stopper admits that it is a big disappointment to lose his skipper on the eve of the new season.
But Vermaelen remains confident Arsenal have a squad in place to win silverware next season.
"I am disappointed because I wanted him to stay at the club," he told Sky Sports News HD.
"He was fantastic for us in the last year, scored lots of goals and I am disappointed he is going, but we have to focus on the next season with Arsenal. We have to fight and I am confident we have a squad to win something."
Vermaelen admits it is a good thing that Van Persie's future has been resolved prior to the start of the Premier League season this weekend.
"We start Saturday and this is all clear now, Robin is leaving and we have to move on," he said.
