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Arsenal captain Robin van Persie thinks the club's performances are more important than any personal accolade Reuters

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie says he is extremely proud to be the captain of the London club but insists the position has not changed him.

The 28 year old, who was given the arm-band last August following Cesc Fabregas' departure to Barcelona, thinks the club's performances are more important than any personal accolade and admits he tries to be a role model to the younger players.

"I don't think it changed me a lot in the way I am because I believe you should always stay the same," Arsenal.com quoted van Persie as saying.

"I think the only thing that has changed for me is that it has been made official. Before that I was always helping people out where I could because we all help each other out, it's not only me. This is the way our club is. Good behaviour starts from yourself. If you expect that from other people, you should start by yourself and be helpful to everyone else. That has nothing to do with the captaincy, it is the way you should be. Everybody should try to be positive and try to help each other out. I don't think I am the main starter in all of that," the striker said.

Van Persie was on target again on Wednesday as Arsenal beat Wolves 3-0 to maintain third place in the table and go five points clear of Tottenham and Newcastle.

The Dutchman commented on the honour he felt to succeed players such as Tony Adams and Thierry Henry as the leader of the Gunners.

"I was very proud [to be made captain], obviously. If you look at the history of Arsenal captains, being part of that is a very special feeling. It makes me proud because Arsenal is a massive club. You look at Tony Adams, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Cesc Fabregas - those guys were proper captains. I like it, it feels comfortable and not weird," he added.

Van Persie's goal against Wolves on Wednesday meant that he has scored against 17 of Arsenal's 19 league opponents this season, having failed only against Fulham and Manchester City. Only Arsenal legend Ian Wright has previously managed such a feat in Premier League history.

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