Robin van Persie says his move to Manchester United is ‘still sensitive’ for Arsenal fans | OneFootball

Robin van Persie says he is pessimistic about his chances of being welcomed back to Arsenal with open arms when asked about a possible future return to the club.

Van Persie, who is currently the head coach of SC Heerenveen, spent eight years as a player at Arsenal between 2004-2012, scoring 124 goals for the Gunners and was well on his way to becoming a club legend before he made the move to Manchester United.

He moved to United in the summer of 2012 and won the Premier League in his first season at the club, but Van Persie believes his transfer is still raw in the minds of Arsenal fans.

The 41-year-old said: “I don’t expect to work at Arsenal. I think that door is closed. Because of my switch to Manchester United, that is my assessment.

“You never know in football, but that is my assessment. It is still sensitive for them, not for me. It is especially sensitive for the Arsenal fans.”

Van Persie is in his first role as a head coach at Heerenveen and said: “I have learned that planning so far ahead makes no sense at all. I don’t want that either. I mainly live in the here and now.

“I really enjoy it here and I am very proud to be the coach of SC Heerenveen. I feel I feel very welcome within the club and among the fans. I also think that is important that you feel welcome.”