As Arsenal gear up to face Manchester United in an EPL weekend fixture at Old Trafford, Arsene Wenger has sought to douse tension and garner respect from the traveling Arsenal fans for former skipper, Robin van Persie, who joined the Red Devils in the Summer in a deal reportedly worth around £24million.
According to Wenger, RVP rejected an offer – thought to be worth an eyewatering £300,000-a-week – to join Manchester City before opting to join rivals Manchester United. This revelation should calm supporters who felt their skipper betrayed them for a mega-money move.
The Frenchman said, ‘I hope the reception for him is a respectful one because he has played for us for eight years, he has done very well for us. You want him to be respected.’
The Dutchman who is set to face his former employers for the first time this weekend since moving to Old Trafford, has continued the form that saw him strike 37 times for the Gunners last season by scoring nine goals in 12 appearances for United.
Meanwhile, Manchester United Legend, Ryan Giggs has hailed the impact of Robin Van Persie since joining the club. Giggs said, ‘When a ready-made, world-class player comes into the team it gives everybody a lift…
‘Robin is certainly that. He’s proven that with his goals and all-round play since he’s come to the club.’
