Robin van Persie set to land new Champions League job and give Arsenal revenge opportunity
Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principal to name Robin van Persie as their new head coach, talkSPORT understands. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker is currently at fellow Dutch side Heerenveen in what is his first managerial job. Van Persie is in talks to make a triumphant return to FeyenoordGetty However, he is now set to complete a mid-season move to Feyenoord having previously been there as a player and assistant manager. Van Persie made 122 appearances for the club across two spells in his playing career, scoring 46 goals. The 41-year-old retired in 2019 and became Dick Advocaat’s assistant a year later before taking the co-head coach role with their U16s. He was then promoted to their U18 and U19 sides but left in May 2024 for the job at Heerenveen. Rene Hake, who was of interest to West Brom in November, will be Van Persie’s assistant. Hake worked with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and left at the same time as interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy in November. Van Persie may face his former club Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 with a return to Feyenoord. The Dutch club can only face the Gunners or Inter Milan when the draw is made on Friday. It could potentially throw up a match that stirs deep sentiments, especially given the way he left Arsenal in 2012. After spending eight memorable years in north London, where he became club captain and a prolific goalscorer, Van Persie felt the Gunners were not matching his ambitions to win major trophies. He scored 132 goals in 278 appearances for the GunnersGetty He publicly stated his desire to leave and despite offers from other clubs, he chose to join their rivals Manchester United. At the time, many Arsenal fans felt a profound sense of betrayal, particularly with his status as club captain and by the end of his tenure, he had netted an impressive 132 goals in 278 appearances. Yet, Van Persie’s choice was ultimately validated when he helped United clinch the Premier League title in his very first season. He also won the Golden Boot award for being the league’s top scorer that season with 26 goals. His time at Old Trafford was successful but ultimately short-lived as he was then sold to Fenerbahce in 2015. Van Persie spent three years in Turkey and netted 36 goals in 87 outings before returning to the Netherlands with Feyenoord. Van Persie helped Man United clinch Premier League title in his very first seasonGetty KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield success followed in his second stint at the club, which capped off a hugely impressive career. Van Persie will now make a third return to Feyenoord, who are fourth in the Eredivisie and 14 points behind leaders Ajax.
Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principal to name Robin van Persie as their new head coach, talkSPORT understands.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker is currently at fellow Dutch side Heerenveen in what is his first managerial job.
However, he is now set to complete a mid-season move to Feyenoord having previously been there as a player and assistant manager.
Van Persie made 122 appearances for the club across two spells in his playing career, scoring 46 goals.
The 41-year-old retired in 2019 and became Dick Advocaat’s assistant a year later before taking the co-head coach role with their U16s.
He was then promoted to their U18 and U19 sides but left in May 2024 for the job at Heerenveen.
Rene Hake, who was of interest to West Brom in November, will be Van Persie’s assistant.
Hake worked with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and left at the same time as interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy in November.
Van Persie may face his former club Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 with a return to Feyenoord.
The Dutch club can only face the Gunners or Inter Milan when the draw is made on Friday.
It could potentially throw up a match that stirs deep sentiments, especially given the way he left Arsenal in 2012.
After spending eight memorable years in north London, where he became club captain and a prolific goalscorer, Van Persie felt the Gunners were not matching his ambitions to win major trophies.
He publicly stated his desire to leave and despite offers from other clubs, he chose to join their rivals Manchester United.
At the time, many Arsenal fans felt a profound sense of betrayal, particularly with his status as club captain and by the end of his tenure, he had netted an impressive 132 goals in 278 appearances.
Yet, Van Persie’s choice was ultimately validated when he helped United clinch the Premier League title in his very first season.
He also won the Golden Boot award for being the league’s top scorer that season with 26 goals.
His time at Old Trafford was successful but ultimately short-lived as he was then sold to Fenerbahce in 2015.
Van Persie spent three years in Turkey and netted 36 goals in 87 outings before returning to the Netherlands with Feyenoord.
KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield success followed in his second stint at the club, which capped off a hugely impressive career.
Van Persie will now make a third return to Feyenoord, who are fourth in the Eredivisie and 14 points behind leaders Ajax.
