Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has put aside his annoyance at losing Robin Van Persie to give a ringing endorsement of the player who is leaving The Emirates for Manchester United in a £23m deal.
On French TV Wenger admitted that, despite wanting to keep his captain, the club had no choice but to sell with just a year left on his contract.
He also confirmed the popular belief that Arsenal would have preferred to sell abroad than to a direct rival – but Manchester United were more appreciative of his talent and worth.
“We wanted to avoid that at all cost, but we weren’t able to. Honestly, I’d have preferred to sell him abroad, to PSG, for example, over Manchester United.
“They have the advantage of having played against him and knowing his great class. He’s truly an exceptional player in every sense of the word.”
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Shaun
Aug 16, 2012 at 6:07 pm
As a Man Utd fan I must say that Arsene Wenger is very gracious in his comments towards RVP.
Great manager, would love him as SAF replacement. People ask why he doesnt spend big money – but with huge transfer fees come extortionate wage demands. It’s the wage cap which restricts him from attracting the very best at Arsenal, but there discipline here is admirable. Having said that, he has single handedly transformed Arsenal into a club with a magnificent financial structure and if they continue on this path, will be in very good hands in several years to come.
On a different note, RVP has certainly cost more than I would gave liked, but am slowly coming round to the idea of him spearheading our attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Rooney dropping into that attacking pack. Exciting times!!!!
humphrey onwoshi
Aug 17, 2012 at 7:05 am
saf knows why he went for rvp. Maybe rooney is no longer sublime and clinical as supposed and none of man united strikers is near that form. Rooney can now be passing ball comfortably as he sometimes did in the past. United for life!