There is a reason why Robin van Persies name is met with nothing but sheer contempt around parts of north London these days. The reasons behind exit that the prolific Dutch goal-poacher had offered were strikingly similar to club record goal-scorer Thierry Henrys when he departed in 2007 - a desire to win trophies as he approached the latter years of his career. The difference between the two, of course, is that van Persie spent a considerable amount of time in the Gunners infirmary, while Henry playing over 30 games a season. Also, the Frenchman was leaving to compete for league titles and Champions Leagues in Spain with Barcelona, as opposed to van Persies decision to jump ship to Old Trafford and directly compete with the club who had spent years and endless resources nursing him back to health. The manner of his exit will have left a sour taste in the mouth, regardless of the open letter he penned to the Gunners support thanking them for their years of servitude. After finishing third in the league table, van Persie presented the Arsenal hierarchy with the ultimatum that either he leave during the summer or he would walk for nothing at the end of his contract in 12 months time, leaving both Manchester clubs to tussle for his signature almost as vigorously as they had for the league title weeks earlier. A £24 million deal to Old Trafford was swiftly tied up, and his reputation at the Emirates Stadium went up in smoke.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
