Robin van Persie "thankful" for Arsene Wenger encouragement

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has paid tribute to boss Arsene Wenger for his involvement in developing the Dutchman's ability as a player.

The 28-year-old, who has scored 108 goals in 246 games for the Gunners, thinks that the Frenchman deserves a lot of credit for his form in front of goal.

"I'm so thankful I met him," Van Persie said in his DVD 100 Goals RVP. "When I was 20 he asked me, 'Why are you not a top player yet?'

"I said 'Because of this, this and this.' He told me to think about the reasons why and a couple of years later asked me again, 'Are you a top player?' I again said, 'No, I don't think so.' And he said, 'Why not? Think about it.'

"It was then I started to realise. He gave me a little bit of advice on certain things I was doing. He told me to think more about my actions. He was giving me proof as well so I could go on and find my answer and I was finding answers all the time. He helped me big time."

Arsenal will face Norwich City on Saturday.