Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been appointed as the head coach of Heerenveen in Holland.
This marks the first managerial role for the 40-year-old since his retirement in 2019. Van Persie ended his playing career with a final stint at his boyhood club, Feyenoord, where he transitioned into coaching.
This season, he has been managing Feyenoord’s Under-18 team and will now step up to lead Eredivisie club Heerenveen as their head coach.
“I would like to continue my development and the role of head coach fits in perfectly with that goal,’ the former striker said. ‘I am therefore pleased with the opportunity that Heerenveen offers me.
“Heerenveen is a very nice Eredivisie club with a rich tradition and loyal supporters.
“It is a fantastic challenge to contribute to the sporting ambitions and development of the club as head coach,” Van Persie added.
In February, Van Persie returned to Manchester United’s training base at Carrington as part of his coaching course with the Dutch FA, which required him to spend time with a foreign club.
During his stint, he observed first-team sessions and conducted workshops with the staff to complete a mandatory element of his UEFA Pro License.
While in Manchester, Van Persie had dinner with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag and the manager’s agent.
Despite being offered a position on Ten Hag’s backroom staff at Manchester United, Van Persie declined, expressing his desire to remain in Holland with his family.
The Dutchman, who spent eight years at Arsenal between 2004 and 2012, followed by three seasons at Manchester United before leaving the Premier League in 2015, decided to stay in his homeland after hanging up his boots.
