Robin van Persie admits
life away from football the last few months has been tough, but is
raring to go for next season.
The Arsenal striker has been sidelined since January when he
fractured a metatarsal while scoring against Manchester
United.
Van Persie has recently stepped up his rehabilitation after being
able to reflect on his game over the past three months.
"For the first two weeks all I could do was sit at home. That
moment was very hard for me," the Dutchman said.
"I was watching lots of football, but there I was, not even able to
go to my own kitchen to get a drink. Everything had to be done for
me.
"I had a lot of time to think about things such as how I see
Arsenal, how Arsenal sees me, how I can improve.
"Those things you can really think about, but when you live day to
day there is no time to stop and think about it.
"You are too tired and also in football it is always 'the next
game, the next game, this game has gone, look at the next one' -
and suddenly I did not have that for three or four months."
Van Persie is optimistic ahead of next season, believing The
Gunners will mount a greater challenge both domestically and in
Europe.
"We have been very unlucky this season, personally I do not think
it was down to our quality," he added in Arsenal's match day
programme.
"I am sure that if we keep on playing the way that the boss thinks,
the way Arsenal thinks, the way most of the players think, we will
be successful.
"Maybe next year, and certainly within two years, as long as we all
stay together."