Robin van Persie is a divisive figure among Arsenal fans after leaving the Gunners for Manchester United - but he has sought to make amends ahead of his two former sides' blockbuster clash
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Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie played for both Man United and Arsenal
Robin van Persie made his allegiances to both Manchester United and Arsenal clear by refusing to take sides ahead of this weekend’s exciting fixture.
The two Premier League giants lock horns on Sunday in the latest iteration of one of the league's most iconic rivalries. Yet, there is a different feel on this occasion, with the stakes reduced due to Arsenal’s already failed title challenge and United’s dreadful form this term under Ruben Amorim.
Former Netherlands striker Van Persie, who starred at both Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium, is a divisive figure now in north London following his 2012 transfer to United. But he refused to ruffle any more feathers by very much sitting on the fence with regards to his loyalties.
When faced with the choice between ex-team-mates Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry in an interview with ESPN, he responded: "Pass because they're both so different and very good."
Similarly, he couldn’t pick between his legendary former managers Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, stating: "Definitely both," and even offered the same response when asked to choose between Arsenal and United.
Van Persie’s indecision even extended to the two team’s respective rivals Manchester City and Spurs, with the former striker expressing his disgust before passing on the question. Van Persie scored 132 goals in 278 matches during his injury-ridden Arsenal career prior to a highly controversial switch to United, where he lifted the Premier League trophy in his first season.
Despite the backlash from Gunners fans against his transfer, Wenger later revealed that Van Persie wanted a return to north London. Wenger spoke about their relationship, saying: "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.
Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie signed for Man United in 2012
"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."
Wenger went on to add: "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."