'Injury buddies' Walcott and Van Persie shares tremendous understanding

London, Mar 14(ANI): Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has said he shares a great understanding with captain Robin Van Persie, as both of them have spent weeks together in the Arsenal physio room.

Walcott and Van Persie have both suffered a string of problems, but are benefiting from the fruits of injury-free seasons.

Walcott helped in Van Persie's opener before pairing up Thomas Vermaelen for the 95th-minute winner in Monday's dramatic 2-1 win over Newcastle, which just takes them to a distance of one point to rivals Tottenham Hotspurs.

"Robin and myself have had a lot of years on the treatment bed. He has always been there and I have always been there, so this is maybe the second year we have had a run together in the team," The Sun quoted Walcott, as saying.

"When I was on the treatment bed alongside him it was such a shame to see so much talent wasted. He has made up for lost time, I am sure of that. Without a doubt he has to be player of the year for me," he said.

Walcott said he would love to play along Van Persie up front in the future, but assisting for goals is much more crucial to him.

"In the future I'd like to play up front with him but if I am setting up goals then that is the most important thing. He is a great man, a great captain and is very important to this club. It means so much just to be on the pitch with him," he said. (ANI)