Robin van Persie believes that he left Arsenal on good terms in 2012 when he joined Manchester United, unlike Alexis Sanchez whom he hints may have “walked out with the door banging”.

Van Persie was sold during the summer of 2012 after deciding not to extend his contract with the club. At the time, he cited a difference of opinion about who the club should sign as the main reason for leaving.

Many years later, he feels his decision was made in the right way, and that he left on decent terms. “I hear the trouble with other players when they make a transfer,” he said, as reported by the Express.

“They leave with the doors banging, when they walk out. That was never the case when our ways separated. Arsene and I spoke about everything with dignity. The club (Arsenal) and I did not agree on some things. That’s life.”

van persie busacca
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 08: Robin van Persie of Arsenal reacts as referee Massimo Busacca shows his a red card during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Barcelona and Arsenal on March 8, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
“Arsene and I spoke about everything with dignity. The club (Arsenal) and I did not agree on some things. That’s life. A manager can’t spend that much time with every player in his squad, but we had a very good connection.“I have learnt so much in all the years I played for Arsene. Arsene made me think about things. He never laid it all out on a plate.”

Perhaps van Persie maintained a good relationship with Arsene Wenger, but he certainly didn’t with the fans. The supporters quickly turned on him when he joined Manchester United. The same will likely happen with Alexis Sanchez.

Alexis has also left Arsenal for Manchester United, and also seemed to do so on more respectful terms. In fact, unlike Van Persie, Sanchez was quiet throughout the season and only commented on the transfer after it was made.

In the end, the club couldn’t keep either player happy for similar reasons. It’s a shame that both had to be sold to a rival club, but it had to be done. The club, and the fans eventually, will move on.