MANCHESTER UNITED FORWARD Robin van Persie insists there are no hard feelings between him and former club Arsenal after completing his move.
At his unveiling earlier, it was revealed van Persie will be taking the number 20 shirt vacated by Fabio, who has moved to Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan deal.
The Dutch international and PFA Player of the Year was keen to explain his reasoning behind the controversial switch, insisting there is no ill will between Arsenal and himself, but that he simply could not turn the chance down.
“From my side and Arsenal’s side, there is no hard feeling. No-one is angry with me and I’m not angry with them,” van Persie told reporters. ”Arsenal are part of my life. They’ve been great to me. We didn’t agree on the future — that’s life.
“When I have to make tough decisions in my life I listen to the little boy inside me. That little boy was screaming ‘Manchester United’. Manchester United breathes football. This club is the perfect match for me.”
After seeing the club pipped to the title last term by local rivals Manchester City, van Persie said he was keen to rise to the challenge of playing for United alongside players that he has admired from afar.
“For me it’s a big challenge to do it together with the players here. Every single one is very helpful. It’s like a family club,” van Persie said. ”This is the biggest challenge for me in my football life. Wayne Rooney is a world class player. (Paul) Scholes and (Ryan) Giggs are world class and have proved it for 20 years. They had a big impact.
“This is a big challenge for me, which I’m looking forward to. I am proud to be here and look forward to achieving big things.”
