Arsenal legend feels ‘door is closed’ over ever making Emirates return after betrayal

Robin van Persie believes that the ‘door is closed’ on him ever possibly returning to Arsenal, as he feels that Gunners supporters are ‘still sensitive’ about him abandoning them for Manchester United.

The 41-year-old Dutchman called time on his playing career back in 2019 and became a head coach for the first time when he took charge of Eredivisie side Heerenveen this year.

And, while thoughts have turned to him one day managing back in England, Van Persie has all but ruled out taking the lead role at The Emirates in the future.

Van Persie scored 132 goals in 278 games for Arsenal between 2004 to 2012 but many at the club – especially Gunners fans – felt betrayed when he swapped north London for Manchester.

When quizzed if there was a chance he could ever work at Arsenal in the future, Van Persie admitted: “I don’t expect to work at Arsenal. I think that door is closed.

“Because of my switch to Manchester United, that is my assessment. You never know in football, but that is my assessment. It is still sensitive for them, not for me. It is especially sensitive for the Arsenal fans.

“I have learned that planning so far ahead makes no sense at all. I don’t want that either. I mainly live in the here and now. I really enjoy it here and I am very proud to be the coach of SC Heerenveen.

“I feel I feel very welcome within the club and among the fans. I also think that is important that you feel welcome.”

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Latest Arsenal news: Gunners sent Arteta warning/ Zubimendi reacts to transfer rumours

The Arsenal hierarchy have been told how they can keep manager Mikel Arteta from the clutches of either Manchester City or Barcelona in the future.

Arteta was appointed Arsenal boss in December 2019 but after some ups and downs early in his tenure, the Gunners have pushed Man City all the way in the Premier League title race the last two seasons.

So far, the 2024-25 campaign has been a tough one for Arteta and Arsenal, with injuries to several key players seeing them drop more points than usual and fall nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.

And former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has now told the Gunners that they must not ‘stand still’, as this lack of progress will see Arteta push for a move away.

Meanwhile, Martin Zubimendi is fully expecting to be the subject of transfer rumours again ahead of the January transfer window and after being linked with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal, he has hinted what his stance will be.

IN FOCUS – Van Persie Arsenal vs Man Utd stats comparison