Arsenal star inspired by Manchester United man

Sunday, September 23, 2012
11:55 PM

Arsenal star Abou Diaby has revealed that he used Robin van Persie as an inspiration during his injury nightmare.

The midfielder has had a stop-start career at the Gunners and has had four operations on his right ankle in the past few seasons.

“Robin helped me last season,” Diaby said.

“We used to talk about my situation and what he had been through, and he would give me some advice.

“He would tell me to keep going and make sure I completed my treatment.

“It was helpful because he had the same experience as well.

“He got over his injuries, kept going and at the end he became one of the best players in the world. It shows me what can be done and it gives me inspiration.”

The midfielder is relieved to be back in the action after spending lengthy stints on the sidelines.

“To be honest, four years ago I did think about giving up and that I would never come back,” he added.

“It was getting too much. I was not enjoying myself and I could not see the point to continue. I didn’t speak to the manager about it, I kept it to myself.

“I was having some bad ideas cross my mind and I had to fight against that. The first question I used to get asked when I saw supporters in the street was ‘when will you be back’ or ‘how is the injury?’

“It’s nice people are concerned, but when things were bad I was embarrassed.

“So instead of telling them the truth I’d always just say ‘I don’t know’, even if I knew it would be a long time.

“It is difficult when you hear people call you a ‘crock’ or ‘injury prone’, but at the same time I understand, because the fans want their players to be available and they want their team to win.”