Former Arsenal and Manchester United forward Robin van Persie has secured his first senior managerial role, following his appointment as the new head coach for Dutch club SC Heerenveen.
The announcement was made on Thursday via the club’s official website.
The 40-year-old ex-Dutch striker, who enjoyed a stellar career at Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Fenerbahçe before retiring in 2019, will bring a wealth of experience to the role.
After his retirement, Van Persie, popularly known as RVP, began his coaching career at Feyenoord, where he worked as a specialist and youth coach, including a stint as co-head coach for the Feyenoord U-18 side.
Widely remembered as one of the best forwards to have played at the Emirates Stadium in North London, Van Persie expressed his enthusiasm for coaching and his commitment to advancing SC Heerenveen.
“The coaching profession is comprehensive and challenging, and I practise 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 SC Heerenveen offers me,” Van Persie said.
“SC Heerenveen is a very nice Premier League club with a rich tradition and loyal supporters. It’s a fantastic challenge to contribute to the sporting ambitions and development of the club as head coach.”
At SC Heerenveen, Van Persie will reconnect with general manager Ferry de Haan, a former teammate from Feyenoord’s UEFA Cup-winning team in 2002, according to information on the club’s website.
Van Persie will be officially presented as SC Heerenveen’s head coach on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
