Arsenal's Robin van Persie has revealed that he never thought that he would play as a lone striker for the club.

The Dutchman has been one of the standout players for the Gunners this season with 34 goals in all competitions.

However, it was only after the departure of Emmanuel Adebayor in 2009 that the 28-year-old assumed the role of the main targetman at the Emirates Stadium.

"I never really thought that I would end up as a main striker," he told the club's official website.

"I actually never played there before - I did it a couple of times at youth level but it was nothing really special. We only tried it when Adebayor went."

Van Persie was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award earlier this week.