Robin van Persie: Fans' Reception Proves Striker Has Worn out Welcome

Robin van Persie's appearance in Arsenal's 4-0 preseason victory over Cologne on Sunday was greeted with the only thing athletes should consider worse than booing.

The contingent of Arsenal fans in Rhein Energie Stadion were deathly silent when Van Persie took the pitch for the Gunners. He took the captain's armband from Thomas Vermaelen in the 69th minute and sent newcomer Lukas Podolski to the bench.

It was all too obvious that Gunner fans didn't want Van Persie out there. A 4-0 rout makes Van Persie seem expendable whether it's a preseason match or not.

By now, most everyone is familiar with Van Persie's saga. He announced his intention to leave Arsenal after his current contract is up, and things simply haven't been the same since. Pursuit has been hot, with fellow Premier League side Manchester United stepping up their pursuit of the Dutch striker as of late.

Van Persie had to see Sunday night's reaction coming when he announced his intentions on July 4. Not only is he Arsenal's best offensive player, but he's arguably the most talented striker in the Premier League. 

Loyal fans don't like seeing players like that leave, nor should they. Van Persie's loyalty is nowhere to be found, and he should be treated as such.

On top of that, Arsenal made their squad better this offseason. Podolski was a solid addition as an attacking midfielder, and Olivier Giroud is a talented, yet unproven commodity at striker.

Gunner fans are a proud bunch, but no club should accept being walked on by any player. It doesn't matter if he has "star" status or not.

Van Persie is allowed to pursue a football career wherever he wants, but he can't have his cake and eat it too, as the saying goes. He shouldn't expect a warm welcome from the Gunner fanbase, and they didn't give it to him on Sunday.

Maybe Van Persie will wind up staying. Crazier things have happened, but it's going to take a lot to find himself in good favor among Gunner fans.