After a three year spell at Manchester United, the former Arsenal striker aimed to spend time at his old club.
Arsene Wenger admitted that back in 2015, Robin van Persie was interested in going back to Arsenal. However, the coach turned down the opportunity to take the Dutchman back to north London.
Van Persie became known as one of the top players in the Premier League while under Wenger at Arsenal. As the striker joined the Feyenoord in 2004, he netted 132 goals in 278 games.
As the 37-year-old star’s agreement slowed down in 2012, he informed a new contract with Arsenal would not be happening. This lead to a great number of the club’s fans being unhappy with the decision.
In addition, Arsenal decided to sell Van Persie to arch-rivals Manchester United later that year. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the striker would proceed to win the Premier League in his first season.
Van Persie denied by Wenger.
In the new book “Arsene Wenger: My Life in Red and White”, Wenger uses a part of his book to explain in detail why the 37-year-old player left.
“In 2012, he announced his intention not to extend his contract,” Wenger said. “All the big clubs were courting him. I sold him to Manchester United.
“The supporters were angry with me for this but we could not match the offer. I managed to negotiate his departure for £24 million. Which was a huge amount at the time for a player with a year left on his contract. I had only the interest of the club in mind.
“My relationship with Alex Ferguson and Manchester United had improved by then. But every transfer is a polite game of poker where you attempt to give not anything away.
“Van Persie had a fantastic first six months at Old Trafford. He put the team on track for the Premiership title and made it even more difficult for us.”
The player would still play three seasons at Man United. Although, Van Persie slid to the edge of the team. This left him searching for an exit plan.
The striker contacted his old coach with the anticipating he would be able to secure him a return. Nevertheless, Wenger informed the striker he couldn’t authorize a return.
“After three years of the four that he signed for, he was injured. And Ferguson (note: it was actually Louis van Gaal) sold him to the Turkish club Fenerbahce,” Wenger continued.
“He called me because he wanted to come back. But it was impossible: he was at the end of his career and we were investing in young players.
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