Robin van Persie, broadly thought to be one of the deadly strikers of the twenty first century, stays a polarizing determine amongst Arsenal followers following his controversial transfer to Manchester United. Now embarking on his first position as a head coach, the previous Dutch worldwide has addressed hypothesis a few doable return to Arsenal sooner or later.
After gaining beneficial teaching expertise as Dick Advocaat’s assistant at Feyenoord, Van Persie took on the position of head coach at SC Heerenveen in Might 2023, signing a two-year deal. In an interview with Sportcast, he was requested concerning the prospect of working with Arsenal once more. Nevertheless, the Dutchman downplayed the concept, acknowledging the lingering resentment from Gunners followers:
“I don’t count on to work at Arsenal. I feel that door is closed due to my swap to Manchester United, that’s my evaluation,” Van Persie said, emphasizing the lasting impression of his switch to the Purple Devils.
Whereas Van Persie admitted that nothing is ever sure in soccer, he acknowledged the sensitivities surrounding his transfer: “You by no means know in soccer, however that’s my evaluation. It’s nonetheless delicate for them, not for me. It’s particularly delicate for the Arsenal followers. I’ve discovered that planning thus far forward is mindless in any respect. I don’t need that both.
“I primarily reside within the right here and now. I actually take pleasure in it right here and I’m very proud to be the coach of SC Heerenveen. I really feel very welcome inside the membership and among the many followers. I additionally assume that’s essential that you just really feel welcome,” the Dutchman ended. Since taking cost, Van Persie has led Heerenveen in 13 matches, recording 5 wins, two attracts, and 6 losses. Regardless of working on a restricted finances, the workforce presently sits twelfth within the Eredivisie standings.
Van Persie’s Arsenal exit: A story of betrayal
Van Persie joined Arsenal as a 21-year-old in 2004 below Arsene Wenger and shortly established himself as one of many membership’s most pivotal gamers. Throughout his time with the Gunners, he gained an FA Cup and two Group Shields whereas incomes the Premier League Participant of the Season award in 2011-12 after scoring 30 objectives.
Nevertheless, in 2012, Van Persie made the controversial resolution to affix Manchester United, a transfer broadly thought to be one of the important betrayals in soccer historical past. Beneath Sir Alex Ferguson, he gained his first and solely Premier League title within the 2012-13 season, justifying his resolution to depart Arsenal.
Reflecting on the transfer years later, Van Persie defined his causes: “At Arsenal, I didn’t really feel like we had been on the extent to compete. My departure from Arsenal to Manchester United continues to be a delicate matter in England. However I wished to win—I simply wished to win. And I needed to take a danger for that,” he instructed Kaj Gorgels in 2020.
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