Robin van Persie, the former forward for Arsenal and Manchester United, has been named the manager of Eredivisie team Heerenveen on a two-year contract, as announced by the Dutch club on Friday. This marks van Persie’s first senior coaching role.
The 40-year-old has previously managed Feyenoord’s under-18 team and also worked with the first team under the guidance of Arne Slot, who is set to join Liverpool. This new position represents a significant step in van Persie’s coaching career.
Heerenveen’s Kees van Wonderen, who can only place 10th and will therefore miss out on the European club competition the next season, is replaced by him.
General manager Ferry de Haan said in a statement:
“Although Robin is at the start of his career as head coach, he immediately convinced us. He is ambitious, passionate and eager to learn. I think he knows how to enthuse and motivate a squad of players,”
Van Persie said”:
“The coaching profession is comprehensive and challenging, and I’ve practiced it with great passion and pleasure,”
“I would like to continue my development and the role of head coach fits in perfectly with that goal. I am therefore pleased with the opportunity that Heerenveen offers me. It is a fantastic challenge to contribute to the sporting ambitions and development of the club.”
The PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2012, the year before he won the Premier League with Manchester United, is Van Persie, the all-time leading scorer for the Netherlands national team.
On Sunday, Heerenveen plays their last game of the season against Sparta Rotterdam.
