Robin van Persie is back training with Arsenal for the first time since he revealed he would not be extending his contract with the club.
Van Persie, 28, returned to the Gunners' London Colney training base ahead of the pre-season fixtures to train with colleagues under the ever-watchful glare of Arsène Wenger.
Robin van Persie of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney on July 17
In a potentially cruel twist, Arsenal face Manchester City, public admirers who are courting the Dutch striker, on 27 July.
Sporting a few extra shades in his ever greying hair, Van Persie conceded two weeks ago his contract at the Emirates would not be renewed beyond its 2013 expiry date, effectively handing the club a transfer request simultaneously.
Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United continue to be linked with him, but some Gooners haven't given up hope last season's Premier League top scorer could, like Steven Gerrard in 2005 and Wayne Rooney in 2010, do a U-turn and sign a new deal with the club.
Robin van Persie greets Benik Afobe during a training session on Tuesday