Arsenal ‘hating’ RvP relishing return ‘home’ to Old Trafford
Robin van Persie: Angers wife of sent-off defender
Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie says he is relishing playing “at home” for Fenerbahce tonight.
The Dutch forward will line up against United in the Europa League 15 months after leaving Old Trafford for the Turkish side.
Van Persie told MUTV: “It will be a special occasion and a special game for me. I’m now playing for Fenerbahce but of course it will be special to play ‘at home’ in a great stadium with great fans and a great team.”
Van Persie joined the Super Lig club on a three-year deal for a fee, claimed at the time by Fenerbahce to be £3.84million and he has scored 23 goals in 56 appearances.
And now the 33-year-old former Arsenal forward ‘hates Arsenal,’ according to The Sun. Calling Old Trafford ‘home’ was ‘conclusive proof’ of that apparently.
Van Persie, who spent eight years at Arsenal, did show little or no respect for former United boss Louis Van Gaal after leaving Old Trafford on far from amicable terms.
“I asked to play in the reserves – to get my minutes – but after that I was on the bench again,” Van Persie told the Sunday Times in July 2015.
“The atmosphere changed between me and Louis and people at the club saw it – but I was always professional.
“I was still thinking we could come back from holiday and start from scratch, but when I came back it wasn’t an honest battle any more. Fighting to get back in the team wasn’t given to me as an option.
“I didn’t get angry or emotional. These things are part of football, part of life. You have to make the best out of any situation so I’m doing this by moving on.”
Van Persie was reportedly put up for sale in the summer.
Fenerbahce club president, Azil Yildirim then revealed that he will listen to offers for the Dutchman should he decide to quit.
“Van Persie? We’re waiting for buyers, if he wants to be sold,” he said.
Van Persie was linked with Middlesbrough and with Rangers in the summer.
That lead Gers boss Mark Warburton to say he was “totally bemused” by the speculation.
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