In a stunning football revelation that will send shockwaves through the Premier League, former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has disclosed how close he came to joining arch-rivals Manchester City under Pep Guardiola's management.
The Dutch football legend, now manager of Feyenoord, opened up about the tantalising prospect that could have dramatically altered the landscape of English football during the twilight of his illustrious career.
The Guardiola Temptation
Van Persie confessed that conversations with the Manchester City boss were more than just casual discussions. "We spoke a couple of times," the former striker revealed, acknowledging the serious nature of Guardiola's interest during what would become the final chapter of his playing days.
The potential move would have seen the former Arsenal captain make another controversial switch, having already stunned the football world by joining Manchester United from the Gunners in 2012.
Career Crossroads and What Might Have Been
Reflecting on his career trajectory, van Persie admitted that the opportunity to work under Guardiola's revolutionary football philosophy was genuinely tempting. The Spanish manager's reputation for transforming players and teams made the prospect particularly appealing.
"There was genuine interest from both sides," van Persie explained, painting a picture of a sliding doors moment that could have rewritten recent Premier League history.
From Premier League Glory to Feyenoord Homecoming
Instead of joining City's revolution, van Persie ultimately returned to his roots with Feyenoord, where he now leads the Dutch side as manager. His decision maintains his legacy as one of the few players to have represented both Arsenal and Manchester United with distinction.
The revelation adds another layer to van Persie's complex relationship with English football fans and raises fascinating questions about how his presence might have impacted Manchester City's already dominant squad.
As Guardiola continues to build his legacy at the Etihad, this uncovered chapter serves as a compelling reminder of the transfer deals that almost were, and the alternate realities that exist in the world of elite football.
