After spending 8 seasons at the Emirates Stadium as a player of Arsenal, Robin van Persie made a move to Manchester United and this was a controversial transfer as the Dutch attacker joined a rival club of Arsenal.
This transfer was completed back on August of 2012 and during the season of 2011-12, Manchester United finished in 2nd place while Arsenal had to settle with a 3rd place finish.
So, why would Arsene Wenger allow Robin van Persie to leave and join one of their main rivals? The French manager has recently revealed the reason of why he gave the green light to make this transfer happen.
During one of the latest press conferences of Arsene Wenger, he was asked about Robin van Persieand what was his reasoning behind letting him go to Manchester United, the 67 year old manager said:
“I let Van Persie go in the last year of his contract because he was 29, going on 30 and he was signing a long-term contract.That is not the case with Alexis. I personally think he will sign and stay here.”
One of the questions that Arsenal supporters are constantly asking Arsene Wenger has been in relation to Alexis Sanchez and if the Chilean player will have the same destiny as Robin van Persie.
Alexis Sanchez is the current top goal-scorer of Arsenal with 19 goals from 33 appearances and this is a similar situation as Robin van Persie when he used to perform with Arsenal, as the Dutch was in a few seasons the top goal-scorer at the Emirates Stadium before suddenly being released to Manchester United.
Arsene Wenger said that Alexis Sanchez would not go the same road as Robin van Persie which is good news for Arsenal supporters but if a good offer comes along, it won’t be surprising to see Wenger releasing one of his star players as it’s something that has traditionally been happening with Arsenal.