Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie is proud of beating Thierry Henry's goal scoring record for the club.
Henry made history as part of a team who won the title without losing a game, but Van Persie's achievements have come during a year Arsene Wenger looks back on as one of the most difficult of his career. It makes the Dutchman's 48 goals in 56 matches, including his first professional hat-trick, seem even more remarkable.
Van Persie said: "It's fantastic. And it was about time! I have had some knocks in the past, but 2011 was clear with no injuries and I could enjoy myself. It has been my best year ever. There's a bit of relief that the year has gone how it did, but I'm also happy to give something back to Arsenal and the boss.
"Thierry set that record, he is an unbelievable player and on this one, I have just beaten him. I fell one short of Shearer's record, but maybe next year...""It makes me proud. I'm a sportsman. You want to achieve the highest. My main thing is to win games, but I want to achieve the highest possible.