Father: Robin Van Persie will not join English club

Robin Van Persie's father has played down talk of his son moving to another English club.

There has been intense speculation regarding the Dutch striker's future as his contract at the Emirates Stadium runs into its last year.

Manchester City have been heavily linked with a move for the 28-year-old, who finished leading goal-scorer in the Premier League last season with 30 goals.

However, Van Persie's father has now dealt a blow to the Citizens' hopes of landing his son, while also dismissing links with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"It is impossible to go to another English team," the Metro quotes Bob van Persie as saying.

He added: "Why the hell would he play at Barcelona or Real? Barca already have Messi and it does not make sense to join them. Madrid are not a team, but a group of stars."

Van Persie joined the Gunners from Feyenoord in 2004.