Another legend among coaches. Former sharpshooter Robin van Persie to lead a first league club for the first time this season

The beginning of a new era? At least for another football legend, definitely. Former phenomenal cannonballer Robin van Persie is embarking on a coaching career at the highest level. He’ll lead a traditional first division club.

As a player, he is a legend in world football. He has scored goals for Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahce and the Dutch national football team, of which he is the all-time top scorer.

Robin van Persie has had many memorable moments. The most memorable is probably his header at the 2014 World Cup. At club level, he worked particularly well with Wayne Rooney, after whose pass he made his mark with a sensational volley.

On the club and national team scene, he has amassed 694 competitive starts, 322 goals and 114 assists. He was twice the Premier League’s top scorer, dominated the World Cup qualifying statistics, and only deserved more club trophies. He has only 7.

But he will be all the more motivated in this new era of his life. He finished his playing career in 2019. After that, he tried his hand as an assistant at Feyenoord and also managed youth teams. But now he will make his first appearance as a head coach at the highest level.

Robin van Persie begins a new era

It would certainly be interesting to see Robin van Persie take over Feyenoord, in whose jersey he started and ended his career, right from the start. Especially with Arne Slot leaving Rotterdam to coach Liverpool.

But the legendary striker has signed elsewhere. He is staying in the Netherlands to coach the traditional Eredivisie side Heerenveen. This is a club that has been in the top flight continuously for 31 years. However, it has not had any great success. In its history, it has only won the Dutch Cup in 2009.

In the last 20 years, Heerenveen’s best finish in the league has been fifth. This is an average team. As a result, van Persie will not be under huge pressure. He has signed a two-year contract at the club and is looking forward to a new chapter in his life.

He has. Robin van Persie has been given his first job as head coach. The historic top scorer of the Dutch national team will lead Heerenveen, with whom he has signed a two-year contract.

“Robin is at the beginning of his career, but he immediately convinced us with his vision. He is ambitious, passionate and eager to learn. He knows well how to inspire and motivate the team. He has a clear vision about individual player development and team training,” Ferry de Haan, sports manager, told the club’s website.

“The coaching profession is demanding and complex. I find it very fulfilling and I want to develop myself further. This collaboration fits perfectly for me to fulfil my goal. I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity. It’s a great club, with a rich history and loyal fans. It’s a great challenge for me and I want to contribute to the ambitions and development of the club,” Robin van Persie said.

Source: Heerenveen SC, Transfermarkt