In a revealing interview, the former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has thrown cold water on the prospect of ever returning to the club as manager, citing ongoing resentment among Gunners fans over his controversial 2012 move to Manchester United.
Van Persie, who joined Arsenal in 2004 and won the Premier League player of the season in 2011-12, made the controversial decision to leave the Gunners and join their rivals. Manchester United.
This decision, which helped That of Sir Alex Ferguson While the team won the 2012–13 Premier League title, it is still considered one of the most significant betrayals in recent football history.
He now begins his first head coaching role with CS Heerenveen in the Eredivisie, the 41-year-old Dutchman acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding his exit from Arsenal.
“I don’t expect to work at Arsenal. I think that door is closed because of my time at Manchester United, that’s my assessment,” Van Persie said.
While the former striker admitted that “nothing is ever sure in football”, he admitted that lingering resentment from Arsenal fans made a potential return very unlikely. “It’s still sensitive for them, not for me. This is particularly sensitive for Arsenal fans. I learned that planning that long doesn’t make sense.
Since taking charge of Heerenveen in May 2023, Van Persie has overseen a mixed start to the season, with the team currently sitting 12th in the Eredivisie table.
However, the Dutchman remains focused on his current role, stating: “I really enjoy being here and I am very proud to be the coach of SC Heerenveen. I feel very welcome within the club and among the supporters.
Van Persie’s departure from Arsenal in 2012 was a defining moment in his career, as he swapped the Gunners for bitter rivals Manchester United in a move that ultimately paid off with a Premier League title.
But the scars of that controversial transfer appear to remain, making a potential return to the Emirates Stadium an unlikely prospect for the former striker-turned-manager.
