I left Arsenal for Man Utd because of the stories I heard and I believe it was the right decision

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Robin van Persie departed Arsenal to join Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, where he achieved Premier League success – although he might have picked a different Manchester club.

Robin van Persie’s move from Arsenal to Manchester United in the summer of 2012 remains one of the most talked-about transfers in Premier League history. The Dutch forward left North London, where he had become a fan favorite and one of the league’s most feared strikers, to join Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United. This decision not only shocked Arsenal fans but also reshaped the Premier League landscape, as Van Persie played a crucial role in helping Manchester United clinch their 20th league title in his debut season. However, what many might not know is that Van Persie had another option on the table—a chance to join Manchester City.

Van Persie spent eight years at Arsenal, where he developed into one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League. Known for his technical brilliance, lethal finishing, and ability to create magic out of nothing, he was a talisman for the Gunners. Despite his personal success, Arsenal’s trophy drought during this period weighed heavily on Van Persie. He craved silverware and was eager to add major titles to his career achievements.

In the summer of 2012, Sir Alex Ferguson saw an opportunity to bolster his squad with one of the league’s top talents. Manchester United had narrowly missed out on the Premier League title to their city rivals, Manchester City, the previous season, and Ferguson was determined to reclaim the crown. Van Persie’s desire for trophies aligned perfectly with Ferguson’s ambitions, and the Dutchman made the bold decision to leave Arsenal and join Manchester United.

The move paid off spectacularly. Van Persie was instrumental in United’s title-winning campaign, scoring 26 league goals and providing crucial leadership on the field. His performances earned him the Premier League Golden Boot, and he was widely hailed as one of the primary reasons for United’s success that season.

What is less known is that Van Persie had the option to join Manchester City instead of Manchester United. At the time, Manchester City was emerging as a dominant force in English football, backed by significant financial investment and a squad brimming with talent. The prospect of joining a club on the rise, with the resources to challenge for multiple trophies, was undoubtedly tempting.

However, Van Persie’s decision was influenced by several factors. Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary status and track record of success played a crucial role in convincing Van Persie that United was the right choice. Additionally, the culture and history of Manchester United, along with the opportunity to work with world-class teammates, further swayed his decision.

Robin van Persie’s move to Manchester United was a pivotal moment in his career. It provided him with the platform to achieve his long-standing goal of winning the Premier League and cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greats. While the road to Manchester City remained an intriguing possibility, it was the stories, the allure of working under Ferguson, and the desire to be part of Manchester United’s storied history that ultimately guided his decision. In hindsight, it’s clear that Van Persie made the right choice, as his contributions helped Manchester United reach new heights and secure their place in football history.