Robin van Persie talks about why he left Arsenal for Manchester United

Robin van Persie and his departure from Arsenal to Manchester United in 2012 remains a pivotal moment in Premier League history, and the Dutch striker has shed light on the reasons behind his decision to make the switch.

After spending eight fruitful years with the Gunners, Van Persie’s £24m move to Old Trafford sent shockwaves through English football, ultimately leading RVP to be an English champion and a farewell league title for Sir Alex Ferguson.

In a recent interview on The High Performance Podcast, Van Persie revealed that Arsenal’s failure to offer him a new contract played a significant role in his departure.

Here is what Van Persie had to say on the podcast via the Daily Star:

“But I can promise you on my kids if someone comes with proof that Arsenal offered me a deal, I will give you a million [pounds] now, today.”

“It was Arsenal’s decision not to offer me a deal and that is up to them. After many conversations, it became clear that we had different ideas about the club.”

No contract for RVP?

This statement underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the lack of clarity and communication between the player and the club during contract negotiations. Despite the enduring stigma attached to his departure, Van Persie’s contributions during his time at Arsenal cannot be overlooked.

With an impressive tally of 132 goals and 58 assists in 278 appearances across all competitions, he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers. His departure undoubtedly left a void in Arsenal’s attacking lineup, and his decision to join a direct rival added fuel to the fire of controversy surrounding his move.

Upon his arrival at Manchester United, Van Persie faced the daunting task of living up to the expectations set by his illustrious career at Arsenal. While he may not have replicated his prolific goal-scoring form from his time with the Gunners, his impact at Old Trafford was undeniable. Over the course of 105 appearances for United, he netted 58 goals and provided 21 assists across all competitions. Despite facing challenges and criticism, he played a pivotal role in helping United secure the Premier League title under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson in the 2012-13 season.

Following his fairly successful spell in Manchester, Van Persie played for Fenerbahce in Turkey before returning to Holland to play for Feyenoord. He then transitioned into coaching to manage the Feyenoord U18s. This new chapter in his career reflects his commitment to the game and his desire to impart his knowledge and experience to the next generation of footballers.

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In hindsight, Van Persie’s departure from Arsenal marked a significant turning point in his career and in the landscape of English football. While his decision to leave the Gunners may have been controversial, his subsequent success at Manchester United would give him a sense of alright-ism considering he did not win any major trophies with Arsenal.