Benik Afobe pays tribute to former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor | 17 February 2016

Bournemouth frontman Benik Afobe reveals that Robin van Persie's advice played a key part in his development when the two strikers were together at Arsenal.

Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe has hailed the importance of "humble" former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie during his development as a youngster with the Gunners.

The two strikers, both of whom have now left North London, spent time together when recovering from injuries and Afobe, has revealed how Van Persie offered him advice.

He told the Daily Echo: "I remember [Van Persie] saying 'live your life right and your time will come. Keep working hard, you're a good player, you're strong and quick and you can score goals. Just keep wanting to learn and improve and have confidence'.

"When you are 18 or 19 and you hear that from the best striker in the Premier League at the time, it is great.

"It just shows how humble he is. I have always thought to myself that if ever I get to that stage, I will help younger players. He was such a good role model in how he lives, not just on the pitch but with how he looked after young players like me."

Afobe left Arsenal to join Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in January last year before sealing a move back to the Premier League with Bournemouth last month.