Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed details of how he sealed a deal, which saw Robin van Persie leave Arsenal for Manchester United last year.
The former United boss revealed that he personally spoke to Arsene Wenger over the phone, after it became obvious that Van Persie wanted to leave the club. Although Juventus and Manchester City were interested, the Dutchman was keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Van Persie eventually scored 26 years for United last season, as they romped to a 13th Premier League title under Ferguson.
Ferguson wrote: “I warned Arsene we would never get to £25m. Arsene was incredulous. He could not believe that Manchester United wouldn’t stretch to £25m for such a player.
“I told him again: I wouldn’t go to £25m. Arsene asked what my best offer would be. Answer: £22m. The reply was that Arsenal would take £22.5m and a further £1.5m if we won the Champions League or Premier Leaguer during the period of his contract. Deal done.”
Earlier this summer, Van Persie also spoke about leaving the Emirates and how he was desperate to play for United.
He told MUTV in June: “…it wasn’t only me who decided where I went to play. I also depended on my former club as well and how they saw it.
“And then of course you always have these games that the directors play.
“It’s a bit like a rollercoaster. Some days it is looking good and other days it is worse. You don’t really know what to expect because things can change so quickly.
“It normally depends on the player and the two teams, but in my case, there were two other teams involved as well.
“One was [Manchester] City and the other one was Juventus. So it was a bit hectic but I always wanted this transfer from day one.”
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