London, May 4 : Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie insisted while collecting the Football Writers'' Player of the Year award that no matter what happens during the rest of his career, he would `always be a Gunner'.

Van Persie's latest comment is expected to provide relief to the Arsenal fans, who have kept their fingers crossed since he has not signed a new contract with the club yet, and various top European clubs are chasing him.

The Dutch striker topped the poll of journalists with a massive victory ahead of Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, with Fulham''s Clint Dempsey fourth.

Van Persie's 35 goals in all competitions have helped take Arsenal into the top four of the Premier League, leaving them on the threshold of clinching an automatic place in next season''s Champions League.

The 28-year-old striker said he hasn't set a date for the contract talks yet but he would discuss the matter with the senior hierarchy at the club after the season culminates.

"That is still the plan. We haven''t set a date, but I will have a meeting with the boss, like we did before now. We will be having a meeting about my future, and lots of other things," the Daily Mirror quoted Van Persie, as saying.

"Arsenal is an unbelievable club. The player I am today is because of Arsenal. When I actually signed the deal (to join Arsenal) it was a dream come true," he added.

"If you ask the likes of Robert Pires how he feels, what he feels like he will say, ''I feel like a Gunner'' - and whatever happens with me, I will always be a Gunner," he said. (ANI)