In a revealing interview, former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has poured cold water on the prospect of ever returning to the club as a coach, citing the lingering resentment from Gunners fans over his controversial 2012 transfer to Manchester United.

Van Persie, who joined Arsenal in 2004 and went on to win the Premier League Player of the Season award in 2011-12, made the divisive decision to leave the Gunners and join their rivals Manchester United.

The move, which helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s side win the 2012-13 Premier League title, is still viewed as one of the most significant betrayals in recent football history.

Now embarking on his first role as a head coach with SC Heerenveen in the Eredivisie, the 41-year-old Dutchman acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding his Arsenal exit.

“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,” Van Persie stated.

While the former striker admitted that “nothing is ever certain in football,” he conceded that the lingering resentment from Arsenal fans makes a potential return highly unlikely. “It is still sensitive for them, not for me. It is especially sensitive for the Arsenal fans. I have learned that planning so far ahead makes no sense at all.”

Since taking charge of Heerenveen in May 2023, Van Persie has overseen a mixed start to the season, with the team currently sitting 12th in the Eredivisie table.

However, the Dutchman remains focused on his current role, stating: “I really enjoy it here and I am very proud to be the coach of SC Heerenveen. I feel very welcome within the club and among the fans.”

Van Persie’s departure from Arsenal in 2012 was a watershed moment in his career, as he swapped the Gunners for their bitter rivals Manchester United in a move that ultimately paid off with a Premier League title.

But the scars of that controversial transfer appear to remain, making a potential homecoming to the Emirates Stadium an unlikely prospect for the former striker-turned-manager.