Home » Robin van Persie: Arsenal got a bit tired of me before Manchester United move

Robin van Persie: Arsenal got a bit tired of me before Manchester United move

by Marwan Harraz

Former Manchester United man Robin van Persie has finally revealed just what truly pushed him to leave Arsenal for one of their rivals.

The prolific Dutchman famously left London in favour of Manchester in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season with many in the Gunners’ fan base upset with what they described as a betrayal.

Van Persie would go on to almost singlehandedly drag United to the Premier League title which until now has been the last one they won.

Soon the classy striker would leave after struggling following Ferguson’s retirement but fans never forgot what he did for the club.

At the time it seemed Van Perie left Arsenal simply because United wanted him but he’s now revealed there was more to the story.

According to the Independent, Van Persie said: “I think you can compare it with being married. Me and Arsenal were married for eight years and after eight years my wife got a bit tired of me.

‘I felt that. I had loads of chats with Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis about signing a new contract but they didn’t offer me a new deal so I had to explore my options.

“I knew how they would react, but I had to make a decision because I didn’t have an offer (from Arsenal). I have no regrets about my decision, and I hold no grudge towards Arsenal.

“I understand that fans form their opinions based on the information they have but in every marriage things happen behind the scenes.

“I’ve chosen not to speak about why I left for seven years, but it’s important that they know why.

“Arsenal is a beautiful club with beautiful fans and Arsene gave me the chance to play in the best league in the world.”

Perhaps Arsene Wenger didn’t anticipate the impact Van Persie would have given his age and proneness for injury at the time.

Given how the now retired striker struggled after one season, there could be some truth to what the Frenchman may have predicted.

However, every Manchester United fan would’ve easily payed the same again for Van Persie even if they knew he’d only be good for one title-winning season.

In fairness to the former forward as well, he finally got his hands on the Premier League while Arsenal have not won it since before the move.

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