Robin van Persie’s reply speaks volumes as he shows where Man Utd and Arsenal loyalties lie

Robin van Persie played for both Arsenal and Manchester United, but the Dutch striker wasn’t willing to offend either set of fans when asked where his loyaties lie earlier this year

Robin van Persie declined to pick a side when asked to choose between former sides Manchester United and Arsenal. The striker made the controversial switch from the Emirates to Old Trafford in 2012.

Van Persie’s two old sides collide on Sunday as the Red Devils get their Premier League campaign underway when they host last year’s runners-up Arsenal. Ruben Amorim’s side will be keen to prove they are no pushovers after a dismal 15th-placed finish, while Mikel Arteta’s men have their eyes on the crown after playing second-fiddle for three consecutive seasons.

Van Persie has controversially donned the kits of both English heavyweights, but he refused to nail his colours to either mast when questioned in March about his preferences.

Speaking to ESPN at the beginning of the year, the Dutchman was quizzed on whether he favoured former team-mates Wayne Rooney or Thierry Henry, and opted to sit on the fence.

He simply replied: “Pass because they’re both so different and very good.” He was then pressed to choose between his legendary managers Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, but gave a similar response, reports the Mirror.

Van Persie added: “Definitely both,” whilst offering the same diplomatic answer when asked to pick between former employers Arsenal or United.

His indecision even extended to the clubs’ respective rivals, Manchester City and Tottenham, with the ex-striker sighing in frustration before dodging a question about them entirely.

The Dutchman netted 132 goals in 278 appearances for Arsenal before his contentious switch to United, where he claimed the Premier League title in his first campaign.

Despite the backlash over the move, Wenger revealed that Van Persie had expressed a desire to return to North London, but it simply could not materialise.

Speaking about their relationship, Wenger said: “In 2012, he announced his intention not to extend his contract. All the big clubs were courting him. I sold him to Manchester United.

“The supporters were angry with me for this but we could not match the offer. I managed to negotiate his departure for £24million, which was a huge amount at the time for a player with a year left on his contract. I had only the interest of the club in mind.

“My relationship with Alex Ferguson and Manchester United had improved by then, but every transfer is a polite game of poker where you attempt to give not anything away.

“Van Persie had a fantastic first six months at Old Trafford: he put the team on track for the Premiership title and made it even more difficult for us.”

Wenger added: “After three years of the four that he signed for, he was injured and Van Gaal sold him to the Turkish club Fenerbahce. He called me because he wanted to come back, but it was impossible: he was at the end of his career and we were investing in young players.”

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