Robin van Persie has avoided taking sides between Manchester United and Arsenal in the build-up to their upcoming clash. As both former clubs prepare for Sunday’s Premier League showdown, Van Persie, who switched from the Gunners to Old Trafford in 2012, is staying neutral.
When questioned by ESPN on his preference between ex-teammates Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry, Van Persie cleverly sidestepped, responding: "Pass because they're both so different and very good."
He offered a similar diplomatic reply when asked to choose between managerial legends Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, simply stating: "Definitely both," and maintained this stance when faced with picking between Arsenal or Man United.
The retired forward even declined to express a preference between the clubs' respective rivals, Manchester City and Spurs, showing visible distaste before passing on the question.
Van Persie, whose transfer to United stirred controversy, scored 132 goals during his time at Arsenal over 278 matches and claimed the Premier League title in his first season with the Red Devils.
Despite facing criticism for the transfer, Arsene Wenger disclosed that Robin Van Persie was keen on a return to North London. Wenger shared insights into their relationship and the transfer saga: "In 2012, he announced his intention not to extend his contract. 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 £24million, 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."
He concluded by revealing: "After three years of the four that he signed for, he was injured and Van Gaal sold him to the Turkish club Fenerbahce.
"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."
This article originally appeared on the Mirror