Robin van Persie is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal. In an interview with this month's Champions magazine, he said: "I believe the wild days are behind you when you reach 25. From this age on, you should be reaping the rewards of what you've learned. After seven years in professional football I now have what I need to go further.
"I've heard and seen enough - it's as if I've crossed a barrier. I see players between 25 and 30 having their best years. In a certain sense, it feels like a voyage of discovery and I feel I'm where I want to be as a footballer. This also applies to physical development. Now, I can play out matches a lot easier."
Van Persie has reportedly stalled over a new three-year, £80,000-a-week deal as Arsenal's Champions League future hangs in the balance. Barcelona are among a host of clubs thought to have expressed an interest but he hinted Arsenal need only to splash out in the transfer market to convince him his future lies in North London.
"In Spanish papers there are so many names mentioned and I haven't heard anything concrete from Barcelona," said Van Persie, who has less than 18 months left on his present deal.
"I can't do anything about those rumours. I'm still in negotiations with Arsenal and it's going well, in a very positive atmosphere. There are further meetings planned.
"Financially Arsenal's last offer is fine but that isn't everything for me. It's about my ambitions and how they can be fulfilled.
"The club and I want the same and it's our intention to achieve that. We have all the other factors in place: fantastic stadium, dedicated support and money in the bank. Now it's about making that final push. In the last four years, I've only won one prize, the FA Cup - and that is too little. I want to push through to achieve more. That is something I feel in my mind and my body. It's difficult to explain but I certainly feel I can play an important role in taking Arsenal to a higher level."