Robin van Persie lands new managerial job and avoids awkward Arsenal reunion

Robin van Persie has taken a major step in his managerial career by becoming the new head coach of Feyenoord.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker has joined his boyhood club from fellow Dutch side Heerenveen, where he had been in charge since May. Van Persie made 122 appearances for Feyenoord as a player at the start and end of his career, scoring 46 goals.

He also previously worked as an assistant coach under Dick Advocaat at Feyenoord, as well as coaching the under-19s. The 41-year-old has signed a contract until 2027 and will be assisted by Rene Hake, who was a part of Erik ten Hag's coaching staff at United.

“Everyone knows how special my bond with Feyenoord is,” Van Persie said. “I am enormously looking forward, together with a strong staff, to working with the player group.”

Van Persie leaves Heerenveen ninth in the Eredivisie to join third-placed Feyenoord, who will play Inter Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League next month. Feyenoord had a 50 per cent chance of drawing Arsenal in the next round, creating a reunion for Van Persie, but the Gunners landed PSV Eindhoven instead.

He replaces Brian Priske, who succeeded Liverpool's Arne Slot, but was sacked just two days before their Champions League play-off clash against AC Milan. Van Persie had been considered by West Brom back in January before they opted for Tony Mowbray in the wake of Carlos Corberan's move to Valencia.

“We are delighted that with Robin van Persie we can appoint a true club icon as the new coach of Feyenoord,” said general manager Dennis te Kloese. “Robin knows the club incredibly well and knows exactly what is needed to achieve results.

“With his vast international experience, Robin can obviously help the players develop further here. Moreover, his soccer vision fits perfectly with what we have in mind at Feyenoord: attacking and well-kept soccer, combined with guts, intensity and fight.

“To support him as a coach in transferring this vision we have found a very experienced assistant in René Hake, who will also strengthen the technical staff with immediate effect.”

Feyenoord had also considered Shakhtar boss Marino Pusic and Mark van Bommel before going for Van Persie. Interim coach Pascal Bosschaart has moved back to his previous role in charge of the under-21s.

Te Kloese added: “In recent weeks Pascal has done a fantastic job, for which we are incredibly grateful. That Feyenoord managed to qualify for the eighth finals of the UEFA Champions League is a great achievement by the entire staff and player group. We are very grateful to Pascal that as a true clubman he was immediately willing to step in when we called on him.”