Former Premier League striker Robin van Persie has shed light on his departure from Arsenal to join rivals Manchester United, a move that left his legacy at the Emirates tarnished.
Van Persie’s transition from the Gunners to Old Trafford in 2012 marked a significant shift in his career trajectory after spending eight fruitful years at Arsenal, during which he also captained the team.
His transfer to Manchester United, reportedly for £24 million, immediately proved fruitful as he made a remarkable impact, tallying 30 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances during the 2012-13 season.
Clinching the Premier League Golden Boot with 26 goals in 38 matches and contributing 15 assists, Van Persie played a pivotal role in United’s league triumph, securing the title with a comfortable nine-point lead.
Reflecting on his decision to depart Arsenal for Manchester United, Van Persie revealed that Arsenal did not extend a new contract offer to him, which ultimately influenced his move.
Speaking on The High-Performance Podcast, he asserted that despite several discussions, Arsenal’s refusal to offer him a new deal signaled a divergence in their visions for the club.
Van Persie elaborated on his dissatisfaction with Arsenal’s direction, highlighting seven areas for improvement, but Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis disagreed with all his points. Nonetheless, Van Persie expressed contentment with his move to Manchester United, emphasizing that he intended to contribute positively to Arsenal’s progress.
With hindsight, Van Persie accepted the outcome, recognizing the realities of decision-making in top-tier clubs. His tenure at Manchester United yielded fruitful results, including a league title, solidifying his satisfaction with the direction his career took post-Arsenal.
Van Persie’s contributions to both Arsenal and Manchester United left an indelible mark, garnering accolades and trophies at both esteemed clubs.
