Diaby grateful for Van Persie's support

Arsenal's injury-hit midfielder Abou Diaby has revealed how he was urged to carry on playing by departed ex-skipper Robin van Persie.

The Frenchman claims he seriously considered quitting the game after picking up a catalogue of fitness problems since breaking his ankle six years ago, including four operations.
Diaby missed virtually all of last season, but at long last the 26-year-old can see some light at the end of the tunnel, as he is now fighting fit and making a big impression in the Gunners' engine room.
Van Persie was a good person to have around though during the dark days as he too has had to overcome numerous injury worries before establishing himself as one of the Premier League's star performers, which earned him his big money move to Manchester United.
Diaby told Sunday Mirror Sport: "Robin helped me last season. We used to talk about my situation and what he had been through, and he would give me some advice.
"It was helpful because he had the same experience as well. He got over his injuries, kept going and at the end he became one of the best players in the world. It shows me what can be done and it gives me inspiration.
"To be honest, four years ago I did think about giving up and that I would never come back. It was getting too much. I was not enjoying myself and I could not see the point to continue."