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Arsenal fans hoping for a third place finish after today's Premier League action will likely be pleased to hear that star player and skipper Robin Van Persie could be staying - according to his wife.

Though the Dutch striker's future is not yet certain and could depend on Champions League qualification for the side this afternoon, RVP's wife Bouchra has revealed that the family are keen to stay in London.

'We have been in London for eight years now," said Bouchra. "As a family, we love it here. Robin is captain of Arsenal and, as many people claim, the leader of the Arsenal team.

"Arsenal believed in Robin when he was young and when he was considered as a bit of a rebel. We don’t want to upset things at home either. Our kids, Shaqueel and Dina, go to school here in London. And they are just as happy as we are.

"We still expect to sit down after this season is over and have a look at the future. We have to make some decisions at some point. But it is not just about Robin. He also thinks about us, his children and me," she added.

"I also love it that everyone at Arsenal respects him. At the training ground, at the stadium, his teammates, the fans. Everyone comes up to me all the time to tell me how happy they are with him. I also see that Robin is really kind to everyone at Arsenal in return. As a skipper should be!"

Even Van Persie's mother has joined the chorus for the player to stay at his current club, stating: "Arsenal is a ­beautiful club. They have no debts and Robin is being worshipped there. I honestly feel that the fans and the people at the club really love him. That is worth so much, too."