Robin van Persie is set to become a Manchester United player

Alan Smith believes the Dutchman’s decision to turn down a new deal reflects poorly on the Gunners

Arsenal legend Alan Smith believes that Robin van Persie’s determination is trophies, not money.

The Gunners striker, who has a year left on his current deal, announced that he would not be signing a new contract at the north London club much to the dismay of many Gunners fans.

“From what I have heard from people close to Robin he’s not motivated by money,” Smith said.

“I think at his age, he’s 28, it’s about winning medals. He’s in his peak years now. I truly believe in this case he wants to win things in the next few years when he can.

“That doesn’t reflect well, of course, on Arsenal. It’s really disappointing from Arsenal’s point of view.

“But Robin van Persie is looking at the next few years when he’s 28, 29, 30; he thinks they can’t win trophies. You don’t want to say it but you probably have to agree with him.”

Van Persie scored 37 goals in all competitions for the Gunners last season and it had been hoped that the signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud would encourage the Dutchman to stay.