Van Persie reveals thoughts of potential Arsenal return after leaving for 12 yrs

Robin van Persie was on track to become an Arsenal legend after scoring 132 goals in 278 games for the London club across eight seasons from 2004 to 2012.

But his relationship with Gunners fans was tarnished at the start of the 2012-13 campaign when he decided to join rivals Manchester United.

Van Persie went on to score 58 goals in 105 games for United and won the Premier League title at Old Trafford.

However, he lost the love and respect of many Arsenal supporters in the process.

Van Persie retired from playing in 2019 and recently began a new career in management.

The 41-year-old has been the head coach of Eredivisie outfit SC Heerenveen since July and is looking forward to a long and successful career in the dugout.

However, Van Persie does not believe he will ever get the chance to manage Arsenal.

When he was asked recently about a possible return to the Emirates Stadium, he replied: 'I don't expect to work at Arsenal. I think that door is closed.

'Because of my switch to Manchester United, that is my assessment. You never know in football, but that is my assessment.

'It is still sensitive for them, not for me. It is especially sensitive for the Arsenal fans.'

He added: 'I have learned that planning so far ahead makes no sense at all. I don't want that either.

'I mainly live in the here and now. I really enjoy it here and I am very proud to be the coach of SC Heerenveen.

'I feel I feel very welcome within the club and among the fans. I also think that is important that you feel welcome.'

Van Persie has taken charge of 13 games since being hired by Heerenveen in the summer.

He has so far overseen five wins, two draws and six defeats.

Heerenveen finished 11th in the Eredivisie last season and currently sit 12th after 12 rounds of league fixtures this term.

Van Persie's next game will be away at Feyenoord, where he spent two spells as a player.

Arsenal have been managed by Mikel Arteta since December 2019.

Arteta will oversee his 250th game in the job next weekend when the Gunners host Nottingham Forest.

Forest are currently level on points with Arsenal, who are nine behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.