Former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has revealed that he was a big fan of Van Persie and was disappointed at the Dutchman’s Old Trafford switch.
Robin van Persie joined Manchester United in 2012 after finishing the previous season as the top-scorer. He helped United win the Premier League and the Community Shield in his first season. He also won the Golden Boot that season. Vissel Kobe defender Thomas Vermaelen revealed that he wanted the Dutchman to stay and the transfer came as a shock to him.
“It was a surprise he left,” Vermaelen told Arsenal’s official podcast.
“I knew he was going to go eventually but to hear that he’d all of a sudden left for Manchester United was a big surprise.
“I wanted him to stay at Arsenal of course, because in his last season with us he was the PFA Player of the Year. He had a great season, the best season of his career, so I wanted him to stay and be a legend.
“Of course, he’s strong in his character so he couldn’t change his mind. I think that’s a good thing because that makes him the person and player he is. You couldn’t change his mind, he’d made it up that he was going to go.”
Van Persie was made the captain in his last season at the Emirates by Arsene Wenger. A similar situation is arising at Arsenal as Aubameyang will be in the last year of his contract next season. There’s no indication from any party about the progress of a fresh contract.
