Robin van Persie after his red card in Barcelona
Wenger - Van Persie has 'unfinished business'
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Press conferenceWenger and Vermaelen face media ahead of AC Milan game
By Chris Harris
Robin van Persie has "unfinished business" in the Champions League, according to Arsène Wenger.
The Arsenal captain has had his moments in Europe's premier club competition, including a fine goal last season against Barcelona at Emirates Stadium. But Van Persie's red card in the decisive leg of that tie - when Arsenal were in the driving seat - was a notable low point.
The player and his manager left the Nou Camp under a cloud last March. Ahead of the first leg against AC Milan on Wednesday, Wenger warned that Van Persie wants to make amends.
"Yes, I believe that [game at Barcelona] was hugely frustrating," he said. "I believe as well when he was sent off that he didn't deserve to be.
"It was also a big frustration as he wasn't prepared to play that game - everybody said he could not play because of his knee problem. I decided very late to play him. He had to dig deep as well maybe to play the game. But this year he is in a much better condition."
This is Van Persie's first season as skipper and Wenger believes he has thrived in the role - alongside vice-captain Thomas Vermaelen.
"Robin has grown into a great, great player, a great leader," said Wenger. "Thomas is vice-captain so we are bit under the Dutch influence. Before it was French, and English.
"Robin has taken his role very seriously and has become not only a great player but a great leader for the team and credit to him for that."
[Tuesday, February 14, 2012]
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