'I still have to prove I can match Messi'

26/04/2010 11:46:53

Robin Van Persie admits he still has a long way to go before he can justify comparisons with Lionel Messi.

Earlier this month Arsène Wenger claimed that his Dutch striker would be considered a "world great" like the Barcelona star if he had sustained his early-season form instead of rupturing ankle ligaments in November.

Van Persie is finally back in the Arsenal side after that injury and followed an impressive cameo at Tottenham by completing 90 minutes against Manchester City on Saturday.

The 26-year-old showed glimpses of his class at Emirates Stadium but he says he needs more fortune with his fitness if he is to scale the same heights as Messi.

"I still have to prove it [that Wenger is right]. Those are big words, because players like Messi are unbelievable. It is a bit early to say," said Van Persie.

"It is not really pressure on me, but I hope to be in that place one day. I think I have the qualities to do so, but you need time, you need games and you need to be fit.

"I hope there is more to come from me. I just want to have a season without injuries and be happy."