18 Aug 2012

Wenger says Van Persie forced his hand

11:00 am on 18 August 2012

Arsenal football manager Arsene Wenger says Robin Van Persie left the club with little option but to sell their star striker.

Van Persie scored 132 goals in 278 appearances for Arsenal and was last season's player of the year after carrying Arsenal to third on the table on the back of his prolific goal scoring.

The Dutchman has since signed a four year contract to play for Manchester United in a deal reported to be worth 24 million pounds.

Wenger says he didn't want to sell Van Persie but there was little choice in the matter after the player refused to extend his contract which was set to expire in a year's time.