Van Persie turned down Man City to join Man United, claims Arsenal boss Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed Robin van Persie rejected an offer to join Manchester City before opting to join rivals Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail.
The Arsenal boss was talking ahead of his side’s encounter with United at Old Trafford tomorrow, in which the Dutchman is set to face his former employers for the first time since making his £24m move in the summer.
Van Persie’s snub of Roberto Mancini’s side is unlikely to be for financial reasons; a move to the Etihad Stadium would have reportedly seen the PFA’s Player of the Year earn £300,000-a-week.
The striker’s choice has been vindicated so far this season, continuing the form that saw him strike 37 times for the Gunners last season by scoring nine goals in 12 appearances for United, averaging a goal every 95 minutes.
Wenger would not disclose why the striker rejected the Premier League Champions, but is keen for the 29-year-old to get a respectful reception from the Arsenal fans.
“We campaign against discrimination,” Wenger said.
“He has played for us for eight years, he has done very well for us. You want him to be respected.”
Arsenal are travelling to Old Trafford for the first time since losing 8-2 there last season.
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