Real Madrid playmaker Van der Vaart: Van Persie has tried to get me to Arsenal

Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart admits Robin van Persie has attempted to get him to Arsenal.

Van der Vaart insists he wants to remain in Madrid, despite his admiration for the Gunners.

"Robin van Persie is a good friend of mine, both on and off the pitch. We keep in touch all the time. However, we had an argument during our time with Holland under-21. We were both fighting for the playmaker role," said Van der Vaart to NUsport.

"He's really eager to play in the same team as me now though and even asked Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to sign me. I'm kind of proud that a big player such as Robin did something like that."

"I seriously considered leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal. They're a great club with some exciting players. Nevertheless, my situation at Madrid then changed and I stayed at Real instead."

"It'd still be fun to play together with Robin at club level, but that will only happen if he comes to Madrid," joked Van der Vaart.