Eredivisie club SC Heerenveen have unveiled former Arsenal and Manchester United player Robin Van Persie as the club’s new manager, MySportDab reports.
In a club statement shared by the Football Club, Heerenveen technical director de Hann said the club primed Robin Van Persie for the role despite his lack of first-team due to his passion and commitment to football management.
Onze nieuwe hoofdtrainer: 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗲#WolkomRobin | @Persie_Official
— sc Heerenveen (@scHeerenveen) May 17, 2024
H added the club is confident the former Netherlands international has what it takes to deliver as a first-team manager.
”He is a big prospect in the game with exceptional capabilities in football management. Despite having no first-team experience as a manager, we trust in his abilities to develop the club.”
Reacting to his appointment, Robin Van Persie expressed his excitement about taking up his first first-team role and promised to give his best for the club with the opportunity he has been offered.
“I am really excited for this opportunity for first-team management. It has been my passion to take up coaching duties and stay close to the game I love after my career.
“I am happy for the great opportunity SC Heerenveen have afforded me to realize that dream, and I am committed to doing my best to move the club forward.”
Robin Van Persie will replace outgoing SC Heerenveen manager Kees van Wonderen, who will leave the club after their final game against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.
Op nei Fryslân 🔵⚪️❤️#WolkomRobin pic.twitter.com/PAPwaaRtCJ
— sc Heerenveen (@scHeerenveen) May 17, 2024
Van Persie was linked to Man United job after Erik ten Hag was appointed Man United manager in 2022. Ten Hag reportedly wanted the United legend to join his coaching staff at Old Trafford but was turned down.
Rejecting the offer to return to his former club as a coaching staff, Van Persie continued nurturing his managerial skills by working as Feyenoord youth coach under Liverpool manager designate Arne Slot.
His promising stats with Feyenoord U-18 made him a top target for SC Heerenveen to replace Wonderen.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup finalist will hope to replicate his prolific playing career in the dugout as he takes up his first challenge as a manager.
