Arsene Wenger today revealed his version of events behind Robin van Persie’s controversial sale to Manchester United — but claims he still views the striker as “an Arsenal player”.
The Dutchman moved to Old Trafford last summer for £24million having indicated he would not sign an extension to a Gunners contract that was due to expire in 12 months’ time.
Sir Alex Ferguson claimed in his recently published autobiography that private talks with Wenger ended an impasse with Arsenal reluctant to sell to another English club and Van Persie pushing for a move to United.
But Wenger believes the pivotal moment came earlier in conversations between the Dutchman and his compatriot and coach at United, Rene Meulensteen, which drove the 30-year-old’s desire to leave.
That left Ferguson and Wenger only to haggle over the price. The Arsenal manager said: “It was the head-to-head talks I had with Van Persie, many, many times that convinced me to sell him.
“I think what was part of it was that Van Persie has been convinced by the Dutch coach who was at Man United. That played a big part in that.”
Both Meulensteen and Ferguson have now left United, removing two key reasons why Van Persie joined the club but Wenger said: “I don’t know [if he regrets the move]. Only Robin can tell you that. In the end, I had to decide if I do it or not knowing that I will get huge criticism for doing it but I just decided because at the end of the day I felt it was the best thing to do.
“It is strange to see him in a United shirt because for me he is an Arsenal player. I took him when he was a very, very young player. We have gone together through very difficult periods and he became a world-class player.”
On Sunday the League leaders travel to Old Trafford, where they have not won since 2006.
Wenger admitted it will be “strange” to face David Moyes at United but is boosted by Mathieu Flamini’s return from a groin problem. Jack Wilshere (ankle) trained today and may require a late fitness test.
