Robin van Persie: I disagreed with Arsenal on ‘certain elements’

Robin van Persie says he disagreed with Arsenal on “certain elements” but insists there are no hard feelings and that he is now focused on the “biggest challenge” of his career at Manchester United.

The 29-year-old striker signed a four-year deal with the Red Devils on Friday after United agreed a £24m fee with Arsenal earlier this week.

Van Persie’s move to Manchester comes six weeks after the Holland international released a statement on his personal website, saying he disagreed with the Arsène Wenger over how the London club should “move forward”.

But at his unveiling as a United player on Friday, Van Persie was keen to stress that they simply held “different views”.

“Let me make one thing clear,” Van Persie told a news conference. “I don’t want things to get twisted. From my side and now Arsenal’s side, there are no hard feelings. It’s just certain elements are vital for me and we had different views.

“That’s life. Sometimes you disagree on things but I’m here now. That’s the main thing and I’m looking forward to a big challenge – the biggest so far in my football life.”

Van Persie, who scored 30 league goals for the Gunners on his way to being crowned PFA Player of the Year last season, admitted his pride at joining the Red Devils.

“I’m proud to be here and looking forward to achieving big things with Manchester United,” he continued.

“Arsenal are a big club but for me it’s a big challenge to get to know players here.

“I had a good session this morning – I noticed every single person was really helpful. It’s a friendly club like I’m used to, so it’s not a big difference. The language is the same.

“Manchester United breathe football. If you look at all players at the club, the stadium and the manager, my choice was made based on those things.

“When I have to make hard decisions, I always listen to little boy inside me and what he wants. That little boy was screaming for United.”

The striker also said he is looking forward to linking up with Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford.

“Of course I’d love to play with Wayne,” Van Persie said. “I’ve said many times before he is a world-class player all-round.

“When I look at players, I like to see they can adapt to everything, and he can score goals and make assists, and he works hard.

“[Paul] Scholes and [Ryan] Giggs are world-class and have been proving it for 20 years now. That had a big impact, definitely. I’d like to say we are all in it together to achieve greatness. Every single player is as important.”

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