Tony Adams: Arsenal was wrong to sell Van Persie

Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams has insisted the Gunners were wrong to sell striker Robin van Persie to Manchester United.

Arsenal has not won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, a seven-year period marked by the departure of several high-profile names to other clubs. And the man voted as the third greatest player in the club’s history believes the recent sale of the Dutchman will further hinder the club's search for silverware.

"I thought [selling] Robin was a mistake," Adams told BBC Sport. "I think he could have played for four or five more years. I hope they do go on and win everything. Realistically, I think they will fall short again. I wouldn't have made that decision [to sell van Persie].”

Adams also claimed his former teammate Steve Bould may have problems in his new role as assistant manager to manager Arsene Wenger.

"It's a blessing and a curse for Steve. People are going to say 'what a fantastic defense' because he played defense. And a goal goes in they're all going to be turning round to him and saying 'come on Steve you're doing a really bad job.'"

"My experience of Arsene Wenger is that he's very offensive and it's going to be very difficult for Steve."