Former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has completed a return to his old club Feyenoord, this time as their manager.
The 41-year-old made his way through their youth ranks as a youngster, joining in 1996 and leaving in 2004 to join the Gunners.
In the Premier League, the striker made a name for himself as he scored plenty of goals under Arsene Wenger.
His stay at Arsenal lasted eight years before Van Persie made the controversial switch to rivals Manchester United.
In three years there he managed to win silverware before spells at Fenerbahce and a return to Feyenoord closed off his playing career.
Now in management, Van Persie’s first role at Heerenveen has lasted just a few months as he makes another big move.
Robin van Persie makes managerial switch to Feyenoord
Van Persie’s management career has been short so far, having previously spent time coaching in the backroom staff.
Heerenveen took a gamble on landing the former striker as their head coach in the summer of 2024, hopeful he would bring some success.
It was something of a mixed spell for the ex-Arsenal and Man United ace, who has guided his team to mid-table.
That was until Feyenoord came calling as their search for a new manager landed on Van Persie, hopeful he can bring back the success.
Speaking to the official club website, he said on a return: “Everyone knows how special my bond with Feyenoord is.
“I am really looking forward to working with the group of players on 1908, together with a strong staff, and then playing matches in De Kuip, supported by the legion, and achieving success together.”
Feyenoord have announced that he will face the media in a first press conference on Monday, February 24, where he will discuss the switch in more detail.
It’s the next step in Van Persie’s budding managerial career, one that still sees his side in the Champions League and with a shout of making it deep into the competition.
Former Arsenal players turned into managers
Over the years there have been plenty of great Arsenal players who have taken their hand to coaching and management.
A prime example is still at the club with Mikel Arteta, who played for many years at the Emirates Stadium before becoming the Arsenal manager.
As discussed before, Van Persie is in that conversation now at Feyenoord, while Patrick Vieira is the current boss of Serie A side Genoa.
Thierry Henry has discussed his desire to manage again, so long as the right opportunity appears for him in the years ahead.
Beyond them, it remains to be seen which Arsenal players could soon dip their toes into the wild world of football management and coaching.
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