Arsene Wenger insists Robin van Persie will always be an Arsenal man

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Arsene Wenger insists Robin van Persie is a true Gunner (Picture: Ian Hodgson)

Arsene Wenger has stoked the fire with Manchester United ahead of their meeting this weekend by insisting Robin van Persie will always be a Gunner.
Wenger sold Van Persie to United last summer in a £24million deal, after the Dutchman refused to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The Dutchman fired United to the title last season with 26 goals and is already a clear fan favourite, but Wenger says Arsenal are his true love.
‘Of course it’s strange because for me he is an Arsenal man,’ Wenger continued.
MORE: Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal will show their title credentials against United

Van Persie enjoyed many happy seasons at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

‘I took him when he was a very, very young player. We have gone together through very difficult periods and he became a world-class player and for me he is an Arsenal player.’
Wenger also spilled the beans on Van Persie’s dramatic exit from the club, insisting that it was the influence of United’s assistant manager Rene Meulensteen that made the difference.
‘He had been convinced by the Dutch coach who was at Manchester United – that played a big part,’ Wenger added.
‘It was more the fact that I had the conversations I had with Van Persie that convinced me, it is not the talk with Alex Ferguson that convinced me to sell Robin Van Persie to Man United.
‘It is the head-to-head talks I had with Van Persie many, many times that convinced me that I had to sell him.’
‘Will he reget the move? Only he can answer that.’