Former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has opened up on his relationship with former manager Arsene Wenger, saying that the Frenchman was like a father to him.
Van Persie spent eight years at Arsenal, scoring 132 goals in 278 appearances. He was a key part of the team that reached the Champions League final in 2006, and he was named the PFA Player of the Year in 2012.
However, Van Persie left Arsenal in 2012 to join Manchester United, a decision that angered many Arsenal fans. However, Van Persie has now said that he had no choice but to leave if he wanted to win trophies.
“It was so difficult to leave Arsenal because of him,” Van Persie said. But when I saw my years were going and I needed to win a trophy, then we had a meeting and I told him my priority now was to win a title, and that going to Man United would make it happen.
“He didn’t reply me, but when I was passionate about it, he had no option but to let me leave. It’s all in the past now, but my love for him will live forever.”
Van Persie went on to win the Premier League title with Manchester United in 2013, and he also won the Golden Boot. He retired from professional football in 2018.
Wenger, who is now 72, is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in Premier League history. He won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups with Arsenal, and he is also the longest-serving manager in the club’s history.