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Turkish giants Fenerbahce have completed the signing of Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie, in a deal believed to be in the region of A?4.7 million.
The Dutch striker joined Manchester United from Arsenal FC for A?24 million, in an infamous transfer 3 years ago, with only one aim, to win the Premier League title. The 31-year-old was earlier today, unveiled in front of almost 10,000 Fenerabahce fans at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. The Dutchman, a former fan-favorite of the Gunners, had made more than a few enemies, after his public release of a statement, questioning the direction in which Arsenal FC was headed, prior to his transfer to rivals Manchester United.
The Dutchman made 105 appearances for Manchester United in the last three years, and scored 58 goals for the club, firing them to the 2012-13 Premier League with his invaluable 26 goals. The 31-year-old is set to earn a mouth-watering A?240,000-a-week in Istanbul, having signed a 3 year contract with the club.
However, following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of his first season with the club, Persie has again been haunted by injuries, which limited his contribution, and his form also suffered under new manager’s David Moyes and fellow countryman Louis Van Gaal.
The former Arsenal FC striker, leaves the English shores after 11 years, as the 10th highest Premier League scorer of all time, with 144 goals under his belt. The transfer has been announced by Fenerbahce, however, Manchester United have not released any statements. The striker will wear the No. 11 shirt at Fenerbahce, and joins former team-mate Nani, who only last week had signed for the Turkish side.
The Little Boy will be remembered, or will he?
During his unveiling, the striker said: “It’s part of football, it’s part of life. It was a situation where I could see it coming, if I’m really honest.”
“I had a good moment with the players the day before I came to Istanbul so that was special. Then you see that everyone really appreciated my time there, that was important for me.”
Van Persie, also promised the supporters, that he would help the club win many trophies, during his stay.
“I promise you one thing – I will do everything in my power to help Fenerbahce win as many trophies to make you happy. Let’s do it together.
“I am humbled to see so many great fans come to greet me. I can only imagine what kind of party it would be if we won the league. I hope I can share that with you.”
The striker also left a thank you message to fans, Arsenal and Manchester United on his Twitter page.
After 11 great years in the Premier League, I have taken on a new challenge at Fenerbahce!!
a Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) July 14, 2015
Really excited to get started and get to know the beautiful city of istanbul. a Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) July 14, 2015
Thank you to all the fans, who have supported me through the years.
a Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) July 14, 2015
Thank you Arsenal and thank you Manchester United. Wish you all the best. pic.twitter.com/Y43uA13Y8j a Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) July 14, 2015
Fans took to Twitter to either thank or ridicule the Dutch striker:
Welcome to #Fenerbah e! @Persie_Official pic.twitter.com/mhnzUD8TpS
a Fenerbahce_EN (@Fenerbahce_EN) July 14, 2015
Robin Van Persie (2013): “I’ll retire at Manchester United. This is how I am feeling and I dreamed of this before.” pic.twitter.com/ykbMWwXxwR a Mike Sanz (@mikesanz19) July 14, 2015
@Persie_Official no, no. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/45EaGVFioY
a Tim Stillman (@Stillberto) July 14, 2015
Persie to Fenerbahce is official but @ManUtd haven’t even bothered announcing it yet? LOL. A legend nowhere. a Squid Boy (@TheSquidBoyLike) July 14, 2015
Robin Van Persie arriving in Turkey dressed as McLovin. pic.twitter.com/6S0p5ZXN03
a FootyHumour (@FootyHumour) July 13, 2015
After the success of his first film ‘Liar Liar’, Van Persie is set to star in ‘Snakes On A Plane 2’. pic.twitter.com/3YSfLlOOKQ a Mike Sanz (@mikesanz19) July 13, 2015
@Persie_Official THANK YOU RvP!! 20 is Yours! 20 is Ours! Without you it wouldn’t of been possible! #CHAMP20NS! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/hHys63G8GB
a MulleeTheManc (@MulleeTheManc) July 14, 2015
