Robin van Persie has confessed he does not expect to return to Arsenal in any capacity due to the controversy caused by his 2012 transfer to Manchester United.

Van Persie established himself as one of Europe’s top strikers during an eight-year spell with Arsenal but, with just the 2004 Community Shield and 2004/05 FA Cup trophies in his cabinet, he opted to join United and spearhead their push for a 20th league title.

Arsenal fans did not hold back in voicing their frustrations towards Van Persie, whose return of 26 goals proved inspirational in United’s Premier League title triumph.

Now kick-starting his management career in the Eredivisie with Heerenveen, Van Persie has confessed he does not expect to see himself working at the Emirates Stadium anytime soon.

“I don’t expect to work at Arsenal,” he told SPORTCAST when asked if he wants to manage in the Premier League. “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.”

Van Persie played a total of 278 games for Arsenal, racking up 132 goals before his controversial £24m switch to Old Trafford.

The Dutch striker spent three seasons with United, lifting the Premier League title in his first campaign and finding the back of the net 58 times in 105 games.

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