By ESPNsoccernet staff
Robin Van Persie has moved to clear the air over his controversial goal celebration in Arsenal's win over Chelsea, denying any fascist connotations.
• Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal
• Van Persie ecstatic after win
• Blog: That's why we keep the faith
Van Persie netted a hat-trick in the Gunners' 5-3 triumph over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at the weekend, raising his goalscoring tally to 28 goals in 27 Premier League appearances in 2011.
But he caused a stir on social media websites with his celebration after his second strike, where he brushed his left shoulder with his right hand before raising it in the air. Some pundits interpreted this as a 'Nazi salute', but the Dutchman insists those "ludicrous" claims are well off the mark.
"It has been brought to my attention of some ridiculous allegations concerning my celebration of one of my goals yesterday," Van Persie said on Twitter.
"It is totally ludicrous to suggest that my action of brushing my shoulder and pointing to my fans could be construed as anything else but of a showing of joy and celebration.
"To suggest this meant anything to the contrary is insulting and absolutely absurd as nothing else came into my mind."
Keen to focus on the positive aspects of the performance, Van Persie believes he can score in every game he plays, such is his current level of confidence - as evidenced by his recent strike rate.
"I feel I can score every time I go out on to the pitch," Van Persie said. "For me it's just the best feeling to have. It doesn't really matter against who we play, we always create chances so that means I always have a go. Then it's up to me to score.
"I'll miss chances, but I'll score them as well. To have that feeling is one of the best things in life."
The striker was also quick to praise the contribution of his Arsenal team-mates, who have now won eight of their past nine matches. Van Persie's future at the club has been the focus of much speculation in recent weeks, but the 28-year-old evidently hasn't allowed the talk to interfere with his leadership of the squad.
"I think we've been having a good run for almost two months now. A bit quiet, not many people have noticed it. But we won eight games out of nine and to win this one sets a standard. Everyone realises we can now do it against any team.
"It's one of the craziest games I've been involved in. Eight goals says it all. They missed a couple of big chances and so did we. I had a feeling both teams could score from every angle, every minute of the game. Strange game, but fun as well.
"To score five goals here is a big achievement, and especially because we had to come back twice. Then 10 minutes before time they scored another equaliser. It's very hard to regroup again and go for the fourth. Two big blows. But we did it, we came back and showed character.
"To score five goals at Stamford Bridge is a big thing, we can be very proud," he concluded.
{ 0 comments... Views All / Send Comment! }
Posting Komentar