Van Persie Proud To Join Reds

Robin van Persie says he listened to the "little boy inside me" when deciding whether to make the switch from Arsenal to United.

The Dutch striker, who enjoyed eight successful years with the Gunners, completed his switch to Old Trafford on Friday.

After taking part in his first training session at Carrington, he revealed he’s relishing a new challenge for silverware with the Reds, for whom he'll wear shirt no.20.

The 29-year-old told a press conference on Friday: "I'm proud to be here and looking forward to achieving big things with Manchester United.

"Arsenal are a big club but for me it's a big challenge to get to know players here.

"I had a good session this morning – I noticed every single person was really helpful. It's a friendly club like I'm used to, so it's not a big difference. The language is the same."

He continued: "Everyone knows by now that I'm a lover of football. I'm quite principled in that respect. It's always difficult to find a perfect match but I do feel this is the perfect match for me.

"Manchester United breathe football. If you look at all players at the club, the stadium and the manager, my choice was made based on those things. When I have to make hard decisions, I always listen to little boy inside me and what he wants. That little boy was screaming for United."

Arsenal fans are certain to be disappointed to see van Persie leave, but the 2011/12 Premier League top scorer was keen to ensure he left the Emirates Stadium on the best possible terms.

"Let me make one thing clear," he said. "I don't want things to get twisted. From my side and now Arsenal’s side, there are no hard feelings. It’s just certain elements are vital for me and we had different views.

"That's life. Sometimes you disagree on things but I'm here now. That's the main thing and I'm looking forward to a big challenge – the biggest so far in my football life."

Sir Alex Ferguson has already declared his satisfaction with the forward options he has at his disposal this season, and many Reds fans are excited by the prospect of van Persie partnering Wayne Rooney.

"Of course I'd love to play with Wayne," van Persie said. "I’ve said many times before he is a world-class player all-round.

"When I look at players, I like to see they can adapt to everything, and he can score goals and make assists, and he works hard.

"Scholes and Giggs are world-class and have been proving it for 20 years now. That had a big impact, definitely. I'd like to say we are all in it together to achieve greatness. Every single player is as important."