Arsenal contract rebel Robin van Persie took part in training yesterday for the first time this preseason.

Van Persie has joined up with his team-mates at their Hertfordshire base following an extended break.

Holland international van Persie, who turns 29 at the start of August, announced after the European Championships he would not be renewing his current Arsenal deal, which expires at the end of next season.

He was all smiles yesterday, however, displaying no hints of tension during the training session.