Robin Van Persie has insisted there are “no hard feelings” on leaving Manchester United after he was unveiled as a Fenerbahce player today.
After 11 great years in the Premier League, I have taken on a new challenge at Fenerbahce!!
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) July 14, 2015
The 31-year-old striker confirmed a three year deal for an undisclosed fee to join the Turkish side and was unveiled in front of thousands of fans at the club’s stadium.
Van Persie joins his former United team mate Nani who also signed for Fenerbahce this summer.
Van Persie also praised the “very classy” way his transfer was dealt with by Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward.
The Dutchman leaves after 11 years in England with Arsenal and United.
Thank you Arsenal and thank you Manchester United. Wish you all the best. pic.twitter.com/Y43uA13Y8j
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) July 14, 2015
He said: “It’s part of football, it’s part of life. It was a situation where I could see it coming, if I’m really honest.”
United have already bolstered their midfield and defence with the signings of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin alongside Matteo Darmian but the departure of the Dutch striker who scored 30 goals in all competitions for Manchester United as they won the Premier League title in 2013 will leave United short of firepower.
United’s transfer business is almost certainly not over as rumours of a Paris St Germain bid for Angel Di Maria continue while United manager Louis Van Gaal is almost certainly looking to replace Van Persie.
It has already been suggested that attacking signing Memphis Depay could be deployed in a central striking role alongside Wayne Rooney, who will be glad that he will no longer be required to play deep in midfield.