Van Persie: Longer break will benefit Gunners

Many of the Arsenal squad spent last summer at the World Cup in South Africa, meaning the London side's preparations for the 2010/11 season were largely rushed.

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Gary Parkinson is a freelance writer, editor, trainer, muso, singer, actor and coach. He spent 14 years at FourFourTwo as the Global Digital Editor and continues to regularly contribute to the magazine and website, including major features on Euro 96, Subbuteo, Robert Maxwell and the inside story of Liverpool's 1990 title win. He is also a Bolton Wanderers fan.