According to reports from The Daily Mail this morning, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has described Robin van Persie’s departure from Manchester United as a ‘big surprise’.
The Netherlands international – who is currently his country’s all-time leading goalscorer – bagged 58 goals in 105 appearances for the Red Devils, firing them to their last Premier League title during the 2012/13 season.
That saw him claim a second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot, following a 30-goal campaign at Arsenal and his subsequent £24million move to Old Trafford in summer 2012.
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But RVP has been blighted by recurring injuries over the last two years, seeing him make just 57 appearances compared to the 48 of his debut season, and with his contract into it’s final twelve months United boss Louis van Gaal sold the striker to Fenerbahce earlier this week.
Speaking at Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore, Arsene Wenger – who signed van Persie from Feyenoord for just £2.75million in 2004 – has admitted he’s surprised at United’s decision to sell.
“It was a big surprise,” said Wenger. “He is a loss for English football because he’s an exceptional player, one of best I’ve managed, with an exceptional technique. I don’t know what happened, why he leaves, but he’s a loss to the Premier League.”