Ryan Giggs and Robin van Persie (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images for Premier League)
It made me smile when I read what Robin van Persie had to say about the possibility of a return to Arsenal one day as a coach.
“I think that door is closed,” he said. “You never know in football, but that’s my assessment.”
I think it’s safe to say the assessment is spot on, Robin. That door is definitely closed.
Strange things happen in football. But Van Persie returning to Arsenal at some point in the future would be one of the strangest.
That ship has sailed.
Van Persie made his decision in 2012. Finally, for him, it was the right one. He went to United and won the title. So you can’t question it from a football point of view.
But it still left a sour taste in the mouth for most people connected with Arsenal. Fans haven’t forgotten his decision to leave and how he did it and time hasn’t really healed those wounds.
Some might have forgiven him and accepted his reasons for forcing his way out, but many have not and never will.
He put it perfectly this week when he said. “It’s still sensitive for them, not for me. It’s especially sensitive for Arsenal fans.”
Well of course it is…….
Arsenal owe Van Persie nothing
Arsenal did a lot for Van Persie. It wasn’t all easy for him in North London. Obviously, those last two seasons were incredible, but before that there was injury after injury.
However, Arsene Wenger stood by him, as did the fans.
But then, after that incredible 2011/12 season, he announced to the world that he would not be signing a new contract and basically forced the club to sell him.
At the time, Arsenal were struggling with payments from the Emirates and Wenger had to constantly sell players to help the club pay its debts. It was the moment when he needed his captain more than ever, but Van Persie turned his back on the Frenchman and walked away.
Again, I’m not saying it was the wrong decision from Van Persie’s point of view. He went and won the title at United, so it was clearly the right call for him.
But that is not why he is remembered fondly in the Emirates. That is why, while other former stars of the club are welcomed back with open arms, he is not.
And that is why the door will always remain firmly closed when it comes to returning as a technician in the future.
