It remains one of the most iconic and embarrassing moments in the Premier League. On this day in 2013, Arsenal have to barricade Robin van Persie after winning the Premier League with Manchester United.
Right. It's been 10 years since the former Gunners striker played his first game at the Emirates following a controversial £22.5m move to rivals United - and it turns out he hates every minute of the team building process image.
The Dutch striker, who spent eight years with the north London club from 2004 to 2012 before joining the Old Trafford side, spoke about that honor guard in an appearance. on the UTD podcast.
"I don't like it," he said. "Some of them are my friends, I've been there for 8 years and I'm glad it's over."
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Van Persie, who scored the penalty that day, added:
“I can see on their faces that they don't like it, which I understand. And then you see me walking there, I'm so glad it's over.
"I think it's a nice gesture to do for champions, but it's not fair to me or to Arsenal. It's a bit awkward there so I don't really feel comfortable with that. ."
“In my view, it doesn't have to happen. Ok, that's part of the rule and I like it basically, but not that day.
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Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson welcomed the gesture and thanked Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for allowing the honor team to proceed as planned.
"I'm glad Arsene did it. That's what big clubs should do," he said.
"I don't care [the boos], and I don't think Robin should care either. It's the modern generation that I fear. "For Arsenal, letting one of their players play against their biggest rival of the last 20 years didn't please their fans, nor did Arsene for that matter. But it happened. out. You just have to keep going."
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Speaking to The Telegraph in 2020, former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna, who cheered Van Persie as he exited the Emirates Tunnel that day, offered his thoughts on the move.
"I'm happy for him. He's done a lot for our team. He's a top player and a top striker and he deserves it," he said.
"Life is full of choices and he made the choice to leave and play for United. I fully respect that and am very happy for him.
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"I'm surprised because when you have the best players you want to keep them at the club. I was surprised and sad but in the end he was happy and I think we were all happy. feel it on the field. "He plays like he's in his twenties and it's phenomenal. He won that year and I'm completely satisfied with him."
As he entered this pivotal season, Van Persie played a key role in United's winning streak. In fact, he surpassed Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale to become the Premier League's top scorer.
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