"We are not robots" - Arsenal star delighted that Gunners are not playing in FIFA Club World Cup 

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is pleased that the Gunners will not participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. He opined that players risk getting injured due to the workload of a packed schedule.

Speaking recently about the heavy football calendar, Raya said (via Tribal Football):

“We know that the calendar is what it is, it is very congested for teams that play in all competitions, now also with a Club World Cup in the summer. At least Arsenal are not playing it, but the risk of injury is greater.”

He further highlighted that footballers are not robots and are susceptible to injuries from overloaded fixtures.

"We players have talked a lot about the subject and the union has to get involved, in our case the PFA (Professional Football Association). We are with them, they will help us as much as possible, but we know that it is not from one day to the next. People have to understand that we are people, we are not robots, and an injury can change our lives,” the Gunners shot-stopper added.

The Gunners are not among the 32 clubs that will compete in the new Club World Cup format next year. Manchester City and Chelsea are the Premier League's representatives in the competition, slated to take place in the USA next summer.

Former Arsenal star rules out possible return to the Emirates in the future

Former Arsenal star Robin van Persie has ruled out a return to the club in the future in any capacity. The former Dutch international said his transfer to Manchester United in 2012 ruined any chances of returning to the club where he first played in the Premier League.

"Well, I don't expect to work at Arsenal. I think that door is closed. Because of my switch to Man United, that is my assessment. You never know in football, but that is my assessment. It is still sensitive for them, not for me. It is especially sensitive for the Arsenal fans. I have learned that planning so far ahead makes no sense at all," Van Persie said (via Sport Witness).

"I don't want that either. I mainly live in the here and now. I really enjoy it here and I am very proud to be the coach of SC Heerenveen. I feel I feel very welcome within the club and among the fans. I also think that is important that you feel welcome," he added.

Van Persie played 278 times for the Gunners, registering 132 goals and 56 assists. He is currently the manager of the Dutch Eredivisie club Heerenveen