Dutch striker looking to achieve 'big things' at Old Trafford
Robin van Persie claims to have listened to the
'little boy inside' before completing a move to Manchester United, a
club he considers to be his 'perfect match'.
The Holland international completed a £24million switch to Old Trafford on Friday, penning a four-year contract in the process.He has opted to turn his back on United's Premier League rivals Arsenal after eight years in North London.
The Gunners' failure to secure silverware ultimately ushered him towards the exits, with the 29-year-old desperate to get his hands on domestic honours.
Van Persie believes United will provide him with that platform, with the ambition of both the club and manager Sir Alex Ferguson convincing him that the Red Devils are the ideal choice.
Proud
He said: "Everyone knows by now that I'm a lover of football. I'm quite principled in that prospect. It's always difficult to find a perfect match but I do feel this is the perfect match for me.
"Manchester United breathe football. If you look at all players at the club, the stadium and the manager, my choice was made based on those things.
"When I have to make hard decisions, I always listen to the little boy inside me and what he wants. That little boy was screaming for Manchester United."
He added: "I'm proud to be here and looking forward to achieving big things with Manchester United.
"Arsenal are a big club but for me it's a big challenge to get to know players here.
"I had a good session this morning - I noticed every single person was really helpful. It's a friendly club like I'm used to, so it's not a big difference. The language is the same."
World class
Among those Van Persie is looking to get to know is Wayne Rooney, a man he will soon be playing alongside in a fearsome strike pairing.He said: "Of course I'd love to play with Wayne. I've said many times before he is a world-class player all-round.
"When I look at players, I like to see they can adapt to everything, and he can score goals and make assists, and he works hard.
"(Paul) Scholes and (Ryan) Giggs are world-class and have been proving it for 20 years now. That had a big impact, definitely. I'd like to say we are all in it together to achieve greatness. Every single player is as important."