Dissecting Robin Van Persie's transfer

Patrick Vieira – Captain. Left Arsenal for Juventus.

Thierry Henry – Captain. Left Arsenal for Barcelona.

Cesc Fabregas – Captain. Left Arsenal for Barcelona.

Robin Van Persie – Captain. Left Arsenal for who? Manchester? City? No. United. Goddamn, Manchester United.

Of these past 4 captains who left Arsenal, the latest move was the most incomprehensible, and to put it simply, the most treacherous. Not since Arsenal’s inexplicable move for French defender Mikael Silvestre, has anyone left the green pastures of Old Trafford for the ones at Ashburton Grove or vice versa. Robin Van Persie’s move may have been genuinely motivated by his quest to win trophies, but the acrimonious nature of his departure will never go down well with Arsenal fans.

Van Persie’s statement suggesting that Arsenal lacked ambition seemed unfair, even when he had released the statement. At that point of time, two reputed players in the shape of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud had already been signed, while there were rumours of Santi Cazorla’s transfer. In quick time, Santi Cazorla’s transfer was sealed, and Arsene Wenger must have thought that he had done enough to sway Van Persie ‘s thoughts away from a transfer. In this regard, it must be noted that while Arsenal were prepared to make RvP the highest ever earner at the club, this would have still been a notch below what he is on at his current terms at Man. Utd. It is understandable that RvP chose a club which pays him more, as a footballer’s career is generally short and you try to make as much money as possible.

Smiling Assassin.

What is inexplicable about the transfer is why did RvP move to Manchester United when he could have moved to City, who could and would have paid him even more, while having an equal probability of winning titles if not better. Is it because he wouldn’t have been an automatic starter, with the likes of Tevez and Aguero already present in the City squad? (omitted Balotelli’s name, because he’s like football – unpredictable) It is a plausible reason, though considering the amount of games that City would be involved in this season, he would have got enough chances to prove his calibre. For a player who has had one full season in 8 years at Arsenal and fast approaching 30 years of age, City would have been the ideal place to move, considering his own fragile body. At United, he will almost make the starting eleven all the time, thereby resulting in fatigue, and potential injury. While in the short run the move to United may pay dividends for both the player and the team, United may be a bit worried about paying a 32-33 year old around the rumoured 250,000 pounds a week.

The most disturbing aspect of the transfer, is Van Persie’s claim that Manchester United are the perfect match for him. Though the rivalry with United has subdued in the wake of Arsenal’s sustained lack of silverware, Arsenal have been in the top four always and have challenged for the league in recent years. Did Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri’s moves convince RvP’s mind over his own transfer? It is difficult to say no, but if it had greatly influenced his own thoughts of a transfer, he would have left last summer. Not this one. If there is truth in his words about Arsenal not being ambitious, he should have expressed them last summer. And left last summer. Not this one.

But his move to a seemingly “bigger” club seems to be a pre-planned and a well-thought out move. Because a year ago, RvP was still a player with great talent but not much to show for, owing to his injury troubles. Would anyone in the world pay so much money as Man. Utd did to get hold of him, say, last summer? I don’t think so. His exploits last season put him firmly on the maps of various clubs, who would pay well over-the-odds to gain his services. Everybody knew that he had the talent. They just had to see him perform. At least for one whole season. That is all Robin Van Persie had to do. And he did exactly that. In the previous season. And with his contract running out, he would have the liberty to choose his team of the future. If he had an opportunity to sign for Barcelona/Real Madrid, would he have snubbed Manchester United? All. Day. Long.

It occurs to me now that, Robin Van Persie had always considered Arsenal as a springboard for a future move to a bigger team. Even though, there are very few teams who are bigger than Arsenal themselves. If he didn’t have so many injury problems in his career early on, he would have flourished earlier at Arsenal, and would have probably left them earlier for the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid. But as it turned out, after one great season, and with the current financial turmoil, the only ones who could offer him a contract of his lifetime was Manchester United. No Arsenal fan would consider Manchester United bigger than his club, hence, the resentment and the ill will over his move. Take a look at Alex Song’s impending transfer to Barcelona, for example. Barcelona, are no doubt one of the biggest, if not the biggest clubs in the world. There is resentment and frustration at Arsenal, and among Arsenal fans, but nowhere near the scale of Robin Van Persie’s. Barcelona don’t come calling for your services everyday, and it is understandable that a player wants a move to them. I am sure Gerard Pique too, jumped at the opportunity to join..er..rejoin them.

Robin Van Persie’s decision to snub City, for United, is a bit perplexing, but if it shows anything, it shows his eagerness to play. His eagerness to play for a team which paid a lot for his services. Manchester United fans can be content with that knowledge. But hopefully, he doesn’t fire them to glory. Sincerely, An Arsenal Fan.