Arsenal may have been shocked by the timing and content of Robin van Persie’s statement announcing he will not sign a new contract – but in reality it was a fear finally realised.

Van Persie’s reluctance to commit his future to Arsenal and the failure of his meeting with manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis to successfully resolve the matter meant the end was always in sight.

And while there was loose talk after the announcement that Van Persie and Arsenal could see out their remaining 12 months of contractual obligation, the tone of the 28-year-old’s message surely signals the end of his career at Emirates Stadium.

He left little or no room for manoeuvre as he displayed an obvious lack of faith in Arsenal to take him where he wishes to go and win the trophies that have eluded the Gunners since 2005.

“In this meeting,” he said, “it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal should move forward.”