Former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been appointed as the new head coach of Feyenoord on a deal until summer 2027. The 41-year-old was confirmed on Sunday morning after impressing in his first senior managerial role with fellow Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen.
Van Persie won nine and drew six of his 26 matches in charge of Heerenveen, who sit ninth in the Dutch top-flight table, after taking over last May. His astute start to life in management attracted attention and Feyenoord have managed to convince him to return to the club he began and ended his playing career with.
Feyenoord had been searching for a new permanent manager following Brian Priske’s departure earlier this month. Interim boss Pascal Bosschaart had guided De Kuip to a famous Champions League play-off win over AC Milan and four points from six in Eredivisie, but he has now been replaced by Van Persie.
Speaking after his appointment at Feyenoord, Van Persie said: “Everyone knows how special my bond with Feyenoord is. I am really looking forward to working with the group of players on 1908, together with a strong staff, and then playing matches in De Kuip, supported by the legion, and achieving successes together.”
Feyenoord chief executive Dennis te Kloese said: “We are delighted to appoint Robin van Persie, a true club icon, as the new head coach of Feyenoord’s first team. Robin knows the club well and understands exactly what it takes to achieve results.
“With his vast international experience, Robin will obviously be able to help our players develop further. His football philosophy aligns perfectly with what we aim for at Feyenoord: combining an attacking and well-structured style of football with tenacity, intensity, and determination.
“To support him in conveying this vision, we have found an experienced assistant coach in René Hake, who will also be joining Feyenoord’s first team staff from Monday onwards.”
Van Persie spent eight years at Arsenal as a first-team player. He joined the club from Feyenoord in summer 2004, and though his first season didn’t go as expected, he still scored 10 times in 41 matches.
The ex-Netherlands international improved as time wore on, and his final four years in north London were his most memorable. Although Van Persie didn’t collect as many trophies as his record deserved, he fired in 89 goals in 145 appearances from the start of the 2008/09 season to the end of the 2011/12 campaign.
Van Persie left Arsenal to join Manchester United, where he won the Premier League, in summer 2012. The fact he departed the Gunners for United still leaves a sour taste in some fans’ mouths.
