Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement ended my Manchester United career, reveals Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie believes he could still be a Manchester United player today had Sir Alex Ferguson not retired in 2013.
The Dutchman was one of Ferguson’s final signings at Old Trafford following the 33-year-old’s £24million arrival from Arsenal in 2012.

The forward agreed to join the Red Devils under the belief that the legendary Scot would continue at the Theatre of Dreams but Ferguson shocked the world of football with an impromptu announcement after the side’s title win.
Van Persie stayed at Old Trafford for two further seasons, playing under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, and returns to Old Trafford on Thursday night with new side Fenerbahce.
However, the Dutchman believes he could still be at the club today had Sir Alex not retired at the end of his first season at the club.

Van Persie inspired United to the title in 2013 (Picture: Getty)

‘When I signed for Manchester United that [Ferguson remaining at the club] was the idea,’ revealed Van Persie.
‘Sir Alex would stay for a few more years but things change positively and negatively.
‘We will never know. It could have been. I could be a player today [for Manchester United].’