- The Arsenal legend was originally overlooked by Tottenham as a young talent
- Robin van Persie scored 132 goals for the Gunners before leaving
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Robin van Persie was denied a move to Tottenham before joining Arsenal after coming on as a substitute in a match in which Spurs recruiters walked out.
The Dutchman is a Premier League legend after scoring 132 goals for the Gunners during a clinical career in London, before later leading Manchester United to the Premier League title.
Van Persie was a constant thorn in Spurs’ side during his productive spell at Arsenal. He scored five times against the club’s arch-rivals, who regretted missing the opportunity to sign him during the icon’s breakthrough years.
The 41-year-old was snapped up as a youngster by Arsene Wenger at Eredivisie giants Feyenoord – who he later went on to manage – and former Tottenham boss and sporting director David Pleat has explained how and why Spurs decided not to try to sign Van Persie. .
Pleat ended his 20-plus year association with Spurs in July when the club shook up their scouting department and revealed how he was once responsible for assessing a young Van Persie.
Robin van Persie became an Arsenal icon after being rejected by Tottenham as a youngster
Former Spurs boss and sporting director David Pleat (left) revealed he had seen Van Persie at Feyenoord before joining Arsenal
Van Persie scored 132 goals for the Gunners during a clinical Premier League career in London
“Then, as director of football at Tottenham, I went to Feyenoord to see Robin van Persie,” says Pleat. FourFourTwo.
“He came in as a substitute, shirt out of his shorts, socks rolled down and looked straight.
“Arsenal’s Steve Rowley had decided not to sign him but they took another look and decided to take a chance,” he added.
Tottenham’s loss was Arsenal’s gain, albeit limited as he decided to leave the club and join Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man United in his bid to become Premier League champions.
Van Persie later turned his back on Arsenal to join Man United, where he won the Premier League title
Van Persie went on to score 26 top-flight goals in his debut season at Old Trafford, earning his thirteenth Premier League title and Ferguson’s last glorious reign.
Coincidentally, the club have not achieved English champion status since 2013, with current boss Erik ten Hag’s position under scrutiny as United’s chiefs weigh whether to keep him in charge amid poor form .