Arsenal transfer news: Robin Van Persie explains why he joined rivals Manchester United

The Dutch striker upset Gunners fans by joining their rivals but has now provided his side of the story

Robin Van Persie insists he only left Arsenal for Manchester United as the club did not offer him a new contract.

The Dutch striker has compared the Gunners to a wife that got tired of him after eight years in north London.

United signed Van Persie for £22.5m in 2012 in a move that helped seal the Premier League title in 2013 behind the striker’s 26 league goals.

And after returning to the Emirates as a pundit for BT Sport as Arsenal beat Burnley 2-1, Van Persie explained the truth behind his motivation to leave Arsenal after years of animosity between himself and his former fans.

“I think you can compare it with being married,” he explained. “Me and Arsenal were married for eight years and after eight years my wife got a bit tired of me. I felt that.

“I had loads of chats with Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis about signing a new contract but they didn’t offer me a new deal so I had to explore my options.

“I knew how they would react, but I had to make a decision because I didn’t have an offer (from Arsenal). I have no regrets about my decision, and I hold no grudge towards Arsenal.

“I understand that fans form their opinions based on the information they have but in every marriage things happen behind the scenes.

Van Persie is unveiled as a Man United player (Getty)

“I’ve chosen not to speak about why I left for seven years, but it’s important that they know why.

“Arsenal is a beautiful club with beautiful fans and Arsene gave me the chance to play in the best league in the world.”