Arsene Wenger is the best manager in the world, says Robin van Persie, who 'owes everything' to Arsenal boss

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Robin van Persie has played under both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger in his career - and says the Arsenal man is the better manager.

Van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 and spent eight years there playing for Wenger before moving to United under Ferguson.

He has now returned to boyhood club Feyenoord after a spell with Fenerbahce - but still regards Wenger as the greatest influence on his career. 

Robin van Persie played with Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger - and says the latter is better

Van Persie played under Wenger for eight seasons and says he helped shape his career

Speaking at his Feyenoord unveiling, Van Persie said: 'Arsene is just the best manager in the world. This is why I want him to be successful with Arsenal. He deserves it.

'I owe everything to Arsene Wenger. He has been crucial for me in my development as a player and as a person.

'I only have warm memories. I enjoyed every day, every minute I worked, trained and played for Arsene.'

Van Persie emerged as one of the Premier League's deadliest strikers when at Arsenal

Signed for £4million as a young player at Arsenal, he won only one major trophy for the club - the 2005 FA Cup - but later in his spell was regarded as one of the league's deadliest strikers.

After netting 131 goals in 276 games, he moved to United for £27m, and bagged 58 in 105 matches.

Under Ferguson at Old Trafford, he won the Premier League in 2013 and was the division's top scorer that season.