New Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie reveals touching message from 'football dad' Arsene Wenger as ex-Arsenal striker looks to follow in footsteps of legendary manager

Van Persie has taken a significant step in his coaching career after taking charge of Feyenoord. Before accepting the job, he had been managing Heerenveen in the Eredivisie, a role he had held since May. Now, at 41 years old, he has committed to Feyenoord until 2027, with Rene Hake - formerly part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team at Manchester United - set to assist him.

As Van Persie embarks on this new challenge, he has received a touching message from Arsène Wenger, the manager who played a crucial role in shaping his career.

Speaking about the exchange, the former striker told Voetballzone: "Wenger congratulated me and wished me good luck. I think that’s beautiful! Wenger is kind of my ‘football dad’. That’s how I see him."

Van Persie initially moved to Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 and went on to score 132 goals in 278 games for the North London side. However, his relationship with Arsenal fans took a hit in 2012 when he announced he would not be renewing his contract with the club. To the disappointment of many supporters, he completed a high-profile transfer to rivals Manchester United later that year. Under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson, he played a crucial role in helping United clinch the Premier League title in his debut season at Old Trafford.

Van Persie will soon have his first major test as Feyenoord boss on the continental stage when his team face Inter Milan in the Champions League Round of 16 next month. There was a strong possibility of Feyenoord being drawn against Arsenal, which would have set up an emotional reunion for Van Persie with his former club. However, the Gunners were instead paired with Dutch rivals PSV Eindhoven.