Robin van Persie: Judas and Messiah - the views of an Arsenal fan

Robin van Persie, once of Arsenal, led Manchester United to a record 20th title with four games to spare. Pictured here during the game against Aston Villa on April 22, 2013, he celebrates scoring the opening goal. His hat-trick helped United to a 3-0 win. (Getty Images)

Manchester United wrapped up their 20^th league title in convincing fashion with a three-nothing victory over Aston Villa, in doing so they wrested the title back from their noisy neighbours and once again confirmed themselves as kings of England.

While this is a great achievement it was in no small part due to a talismanic Dutchman who just 12 months earlier was captaining United’s once great enemy Arsenal. In light of the recent hullabaloo about the whole guard of honour Arsenal will have to give United and in particular Robin van Persie, here is my take on our former captain.

van Persie was always a prodigious talent, ever since Arsenal signed him from Feyenoord in the summer of 2004. Injury robbed him of consistent appearances for the club but the talent was always there. Arsenal fans started to see that talent come to the fore in 2010, when he overcame injury troubles and started playing more often. He had a superb spell in the 2010-2011 season where he went on a scoring spree and soon took that form into the 2011-2012 season.

Thirty seven goals in forty eight games in the 2011-2012 season was a magnificent achievement and an indication of his talent. Arsenal fans now knew that the heir to King Henry’s throne had been chosen. But alas as events unfolded our euphoria was short lived as “the boy” in van Persie yearned for a move to greener pastures. That he chose United, a hated rival and the manner of his exit, began a chain reaction that ultimately tarnished everything that he achieved at the club.

I will admit I was furious when I heard about his impending move to United. I called him Judas along with millions of other Arsenal fans, for weeks after that the temper raged, the fire burned. But as the season wore on and United, and in particular van Persie, went from strength to strength, one could only watch with a deep sense of regret of what might have been.

As of now I have moved on from the entire saga and many other Arsenal fans have too. But the impending guard of honour at the Emirates is sure to reopen those old wounds for Arsenal fans. I for one hope that the Arsenal faithful applaud United at the ceremony as it is a tradition and if it’s one thing that defines Arsenal, its tradition.

One must not forget that as far as being fickle goes football fans top that particular list. In the history of the game there have been several instances of a player being labelled “Judas”, the traitor. Whether it be Luis Figo and Barcelona fans, Sol Campbell and Spurs fans or van Persie and Arsenal fans, history is littered with such examples.

While some Arsenal fans may never be able to forgive van Persie for his actions, they must not forget his contributions to the club either. After all he is number 8 on the all-time goal scoring charts for the club and on the back of his scintillating performances last season Arsenal were able to finish in a credible 3^rd position, despite starting the season in disastrous fashion. And for that I will thank the Dutchman.

He may be Judas for us, but he was our messiah and that will never be forgotten. And as he has secured United’s 20^th title he has now been embraced as their messiah at Old Trafford, an Eric Cantona like figure, who at the age of 29 is now at the peak of his powers.

If ever Sir Alex took a bigger and more risky gamble than ever before then it was on van Persie and it has paid rich dividends. All I can say is stand up and take notice Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board – for what you reap is what you sow.