Arsenal's Robin van Persie

Arsene Wenger backed Robin van Persie to succeed at AC Milan

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed star striker Robin van Persie to put last year’s misery in the Champions League behind him against AC Milan tonight.

The Dutchman was sent off in the second leg against Barcelona as the Gunners crashed out in the last-16 to the eventual winners.

“Yes, I believe that (game at Barcelona) was hugely frustrating,” he said. “I believe as well when he was sent off that he didn’t deserve to be.

“It was also a big frustration as he wasn’t prepared to play that game - everybody said he could not play because of his knee problem. I decided very late to play him.

“He had to dig deep as well maybe to play the game. But this year he is in a much better condition.”

Wenger has also been impressed with how van Persie has taken on the role as Arsenal captain as well as Thomas Vermaelen’s elevation to vice-captain.

“Robin has grown into a great, great player, a great leader,” said Wenger. “Thomas is vice-captain so we are bit under the Dutch influence. Before it was French, and English.

“Robin has taken his role very seriously and has become not only a great player but a great leader for the team and credit to him for that.”