Why I Sold Robin Van Persie To Manchester United – Arsene Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he sold Robin Van Persie to Manchester United due to his age.

The Dutchman left the Emirates in 2012 for the Red Devils after failing to renew his contract with the Gunners, sparking mixed reactions from Arsenal fans who expressed their resentment towards the striker who was once a fan-favourite at the club due to wonderful performances.

After four years of the transfer, Arsene Wenger has now revealed that he sold Van Persie to Manchester United because he did not want to offer the striker a new long-term deal due to his age.

He said: ‘I let Van Persie go in the last year of his contract because Van Persie was 29, going on 30 and he was signing a long-term contract.

Although, Robin Van Persie wrote an open letter to Arsenal fans, claiming he left due to disagreement between himself and the Gunners board, where he said: ‘Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.‘

Arsene Wenger has now maintained that Alexis Sanchez’s situation will not be handed same way, he said: ‘That is not the case with Alexis. I personally think he will sign and stay here.’

‘Even if he doesn’t sign a new deal, I will make him stay? Yes. Would I rather keep him than sell to a Premier League rival? Yes.’