A Love Letter to Robin Van Persie from an Arsenal Fan Who Wants Him to Stay

Dear Robin,

Hi there. My name is Mike. I've been watching you play for my favorite football club for more than seven years now, and while I've always enjoyed your work, something has changed this season.

Maybe it's me. Maybe it's you. I don't know what it is, but every time you score another goal for Arsenal, I just want to pledge my undying man-love in the form of cheesy rom-com movie lines.

Sorry, dude, I just can't help it. You had me at hello. (It's true, you did, even if that makes me Renee Zellweger.) Just know that by writing this, I'm risking the scorn of opposing fans everywhere, as well as a sprinkling of titters, snickers and giggles from a few of my fellow Gooners.

It's true, though. As a teenager I thought Dennis Bergkamp was basically the Second Coming, and looking back on his highlights now, I think I might have been right. So when Arsene Wenger signed you as a 20-year-old back in 2004, I was thrilled, even if I didn't really know who you were.

I figured it out fast, though.

A year later I took a trip across the pond and attended my one and only match at Highbury. You might remember the one. It was the first home game of the last season in the venerable old stadium. It was rainy all day and unseasonably cool for August, and of course you scored the second in our 2-0 win over Newcastle.

Ah, good times. Our trophy drought was measured in months then. Thierry Henry—he scored that day, too—was still in his first go-round with the club, and Bergkamp was playing his final season.

But, see, I mentioned those two for a reason. I brought up those names because, no joke, you have the chance to live right up there with them in the annals of Arsenal history when this is all over with.

That's why I'm writing this letter. I know there are other potential suitors out there. And I know that you've said "there's nothing complicated or sinister" going on with your decision to put off negotiating a new contract. I really do believe you, but I also want to let you know how legendary you can be for Arsenal.

We fans have known for a while that you can score great goals. Even before this wacky season started, you had shown that over and over. But this year we found out you can be a great goalscorer and a great captain at the same time.

You showed it again Tuesday night when you and the boys almost pulled off the most stunning comeback in Champions League history. We were all shocked but we weren't really surprised because we knew we had it in you. The shocking part was that you missed that one chance in the second half 1-on-1 against Abbiati.

About that: It's OK. Even you're not perfect. We wouldn't have been in that position without you. As far as we're concerned, you've got a home in North London for life. If you want it.

We all know you'd like to stick around, and in spite of ourselves we're starting to believe that the club will do whatever it takes to keep you. Lord knows we need the help.

I won't blame you if you go. Even you can't do it all by yourself, and if you do leave there's a good chance you will win tons of trophies while carting off wheelbarrows of cash. I guess this isn't a good pitch so far, but hear me out.

If you stay, you can—and I believe will—become an Arsenal legend. And, yes, you might even help lead a rebuilt Arsenal to glory. Maybe.

It's your choice, of course, but like I said, you had me at hello. Please don't make me say goodbye just yet.

Your fan forever,

Mike