Van Persie angers Arsenal fans

Finally, finally it’s over. Arsenal and Manchester United have agreed the terms of Van Persie’s transfer to Old Trafford and all that now remains is the formality of personal terms and a medical. It has long been coming, ever since Van Persie released that statement in early July, it was always likely he would leave. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the possibility of him staying. Bids had been received and rejected and all was very quiet. That it all got wrapped up so quickly was perhaps a surprise.

It seems that Wenger finally made up his mind on Van Persie in Germany. He reportedly told the Dutchman before Arsenal’s final pre-season game that he no longer figured in his plans and would be sold if they received an acceptable offer. It is a very bold statement from Wenger. To say you can do without the double Player of the Year is quite something, it certainly shows a huge amount of faith in his new signings.

Wenger also admitted that Giroud and Podolski had been signed as replacements for RVP, something he denied beforehand. It will be a source of frustration for Wenger that he was not able to ship Van Persie off abroad. It will hurt Arsenal seeing their former captain in a United shirt. The fact that he is the first Arsenal player to sing for United since Viv Anderson in 1987 says it all.

Wenger is disappointed at having to sell Van Persie to United, of that there is no doubt. But, the anger felt by the fans is on another level all together. When Van Persie’s transfer was announced, Twitter exploded. A search for ‘RVP’ or ‘Van Persie’ would have resulted in a constant stream of tweets from angry North Londoners laced with expletives. It seems that by crossing the uncrossable divide, Van Persie has become an even bigger hate figure than Samir Nasri, which is saying something.

Arsenal fans feel betrayed, and rightly so. Just last year Van Persie stated his desire to win trophies with Arsenal, saying that winning a trophy with another side would not be the same. He was adored by the Emirates faithful, firmly the fan favourite. If he had signed a new contract and seen out the remainder of his best years at Arsenal, perhaps winning that elusive trophy, he certainly would have entered the pantheon of legends. Alongside the likes of Bergkamp, Henry, Pires and Adams, he would have had a legacy at Arsenal that would have stood the test of time.

Now, how will history remember him? Will he forever be adored for 1 or 2 Premier League titles at Old Trafford? I don’t think so. Players so often talk of the need to win trophies. Would it not be more satisfying to have a stand, or a statue to represent the legendary status attained at a club, rather than a couple of trophies?

Clearly, the days of one club men are ending. The Tony Adams, Ryan Giggs and Steven Gerrard‘s of this world are few and far between. The quest for a bigger pay cheque or ‘glory’ at a more successful club is clearly outweighing the desire to be adored by millions of fans for a lifetime.

After Arsenal secured Champions League football with their final day 3-2 win over West Brom, Van Persie said that ‘whatever happens, I’ll always be a Gooner’.

I’m sorry Robin, but you don’t have a choice on that one. The reception you get at the Emirates should see to that, unless you’re injured.