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8th December 2010
05:00am GMT
Arsenal's Robin Van Persie has raised doubts over his team's ability to win silverware next season, and he's put the boot it when it comes to his English teammates' partying ways.
The Dutch forward risks annying his boss Arsene Wenger after voicing his concerns.
Van Persie says he isn't motivated by money or by the lavish lifestyle that goes with having the money and fame that goes hand in hand with Premier League football, but he can't say the same for some young English players he's encountered.
"The really top players aren't fooled by riches or fame because they are fully focused with their football," Van Persie he says.
"For me, it's very important to be having breakfast every morning with my two children and that wouldn't be possible if you were hanging about in a disco all night.
"When I see some of my English colleagues who are out till three in the morning, then I can only conclude that they are invariably finished at 33."
Harsh words, but it's his less than enthusiastic (and honest) views on Arsenal's future chances that will probably rattle Wenger more.
"Every year it always goes wrong in an identical way and that is frustrating," Van Persie says. "When you look at results in the last years, then Arsenal shouldn't be talking about winning the league because too many times things have gone wrong.
"Sometimes you have to eat the truth and be realistic. But I do believe with the signing of a number of players, then next season we should be in there competing for prizes."
