Skip to content

RVP has no chip regrets

Image: Robin van Persie: Was denied by a wonderful reflex save from Christian Abbiati

Robin van Persie insists he would do the same again if presented with a second opportunity to keep Arsenal's European dream alive.

Gunners skipper says he had no choice but to try and lob Abbiati

Robin van Persie insists he would do the same again if presented with a second opportunity to keep Arsenal's European dream alive. The Gunners' talismanic skipper came within a whisker of completing a remarkable UEFA Champions League turnaround against AC Milan on Tuesday. The Dutch striker was among the goals during an enthralling first half at Emirates Stadium that saw Arsenal establish a 3-0 lead. A remarkable 45 minutes left Arsene Wenger's side requiring just one more effort to cancel out the 4-0 advantage established by Milan in the first leg of their last 16 encounter. It appeared as though they would restore parity midway through the second half when the ball broke Van Persie's way six yards from goal. The Dutchman opted to try and loft the ball over Milan keeper Christian Abbiati as he lay on the turf, but the Italian keeper somehow stretched out an arm to deny Arsenal's captain.

Defiant

His save proved to be a tie-winner for Milan as they held out to secure a 4-3 aggregate success and book their place in the quarter-finals. Asked if he would do the same again if offered another opportunity to find the back of the net, a defiant Van Persie told Sky Sports: "I think so. The way I saw it is that he (Abbiati) came quite close to me so there wasn't the option to pass it left or right of him. "I had to go for the chip. I still have to look back, but that is how I felt and that is why I chipped it." While disappointed to have seen Arsenal fall narrowly short in their quest to keep their continental dream alive, Van Persie insists the club can be 'proud' of their efforts. He said: "I think everyone was proud tonight - the fans, the players and everyone who watched this game was thrilled to watch it. Everyone enjoyed it."

Around Sky