Robin van Persie was recently filmed warming up for his new team Fenerbahce looking less than pleased with his surroundings.

The striker has since spoken about his inspiration during these dark times. And who might that be? Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira.

“I don’t let anything get to me,” he said. “Mentally, I’m stronger than ever.

“When you’re young, you don’t know how to deal with situations like this.

“But let me explain who was my guide to a great balance in life. Patrick Vieira showed me how to stay mentally strong and cope with all pressures.

“My first season at Arsenal was Patrick’s last. There were lots of stories about him going to Real Madrid.

“There was so much happening around this guy, it was incredible. And yet he was a tower of strength and an icon of calmness.”

Van Persie continued, “He just remained our natural leader. Nothing could effect him. He was totally in balance, he was on top of everything and felt he could master it all.

“As a young player I was completely in awe of him. I admired that mental strength in him. And I think everybody else did.”

Although the Dutchman has scored four goals for the Turkish team so far this season in 12 appearances, it’s far from the dazzling form he was in for Arsenal and his first season at the Red Devils.

It’s difficult to say whether RvP saw himself in this position when he left Arsenal in 2012. I highly doubt it since the little boy inside him probably wasn’t shouting for Fenerbahce as well as United… However, how much of his ‘poor’ form is down to just growing older or whether it’s because he’s unhappy isn’t clear.

What is clear is that if he had stayed at Arsenal and stuck out the last remaining moments of our difficult period, he would probably be a bit happier than he is now.