Fans mob Van Persie on arrival at Fenerbahce

Van Persie

Van Persie was given a hero's welcome as he landed at the Sabhia Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul

Van Persie was given a hero's welcome as he landed at the Sabhia Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul
Van Persie was given a hero’s welcome as he landed at the Sabhia Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul

Robin van Persie’s career at Manchester United is drawing to a close after the Fenerbahce-bound striker touched down in Turkey ahead of his move to the club.

Van Persie was all smiles as he landed at the Sabhia Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul on Sunday afternoon.
The 31-year-old’s arrival in the Turkish capital was greeted by a fanfare of Fenerbahce supporters who were eager to meet their soon-to-be forward.

Earlier that day, Van Persie took to social media to post a series of pictures of himself and his family outside the private jet he will be flying on from Manchester Airport to Istanbul.

Fenerbahce fans go the extra mile to have a glimpse of Van Persie
Fenerbahce fans go the extra mile to have a glimpse of Van Persie

The Dutchman, who sported a Fenerbahce scarf, also uploaded a snap of himself in the cockpit of the plane accompanied with the caption “Ready for take off”.

“Previously we reported that we had begun transfer negotiations with Manchester United and the Dutch player Robin van Persie. On the evening of Sunday July 12, he is coming to Istanbul,” read a statement on their official website.

While Fener seem confident that a deal will be completed shortly, United boss Louis van Gaal refused to confirm that the 31-year-old was on his way out of Old Trafford on Friday.

Related News

Robin van Persie with wife, Bouchra and children
Robin van Persie with wife, Bouchra and children

Asked whether he was looking for a another striker because Van Persie was leaving, Van Gaal said: ‘When you say that it is not all true.

“When we feel we can say he is gone you shall hear it from Manchester United. We don’t have the feeling yet.”

Van Persie bids Manchester United farewell
Van Persie bids Manchester United farewell

Van Persie scored 30 goals for United as they won the league in 2012-13 following his £24million move from Arsenal.

His impact since then, however, has been muted due to a series of niggling injuries, and he was limited to 10 goals in 29 appearances under compatriot Van Gaal last season.

Fenerbahce signed Van Persie’s former United team-mate Nani on Monday for a reported £4.25m.

If Van Persie is sold, United would have only Wayne Rooney, James Wilson and the injured Javier Hernandez – out with a broken collarbone – in their squad as recognised strikers following the exit of on-loan Falcao at the end of the season.

Load more