5 players who betrayed their managers?

#4 Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie left Arsenal at his peak

The second Arsenal player on this list – one could almost say that Wenger has faced more betrayals than arrogantly overconfident conquerors did from their closest generals – Robin van Persie was among the most beloved players at Arsenal, adored by the Gunners' devout fans.

Despite being very talented, the Dutchman could never really reach his peak due to niggling injuries every other season. Wenger spotted his talent and snapped him up from Feyenoord, but Le Professeur was powerless to the fragility of his former player.

However, he got past his injury demons and had a terrific 2011-12 season as he scored 37 goals in 48 games for the North London outfit. The following summer, however, he refused to sign an extension with the club – he had only one year left on his contract – and technically forced his way out to Manchester United.

This was particularly disturbing for the Gunners and Wenger, since they stuck with him through thick and thin, but he, on the other, left them when he peaked