London's Arsenal team coach Arsene Wenger confirmed that his former protégé Robin van Persie was actively interested in Manchester City team, but the Dutchman preferred Manchester United, with whom he signed a contract.
"City" promised to pay van Persie as much as 300 thousand pounds a week (now van Persie receives almost a third less salary - ed. note), but even that did not tempt the 29-year-old forward.
"It's true, 'Man City' really wanted to hire Robin. There could have been several reasons why he chose the 'Red Devils', but I do not know them," Wenger said.
"Is it painful that he's playing for another English club? Of course, I didn't want that. But I can only say good words about van Persie - after all, he played great for Arsenal for eight years," Wenger said.