• Premier League

Ferguson retirement shocked Van Persie

ESPN staff
June 9, 2013
Robin van Persie enjoyed a fine debut season at Manchester United © PA Photos
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Robin van Persie has described the moment Sir Alex Ferguson told the Manchester United squad he was retiring and called it an "historical" moment.

Van Persie joined United last summer and played a part in them reclaiming the Premier League title from Manchester City by scoring 26 goals in 35 games.

But he had no idea that success would lead Ferguson to step down after 27 years in charge. In an interview with the Sun the former Arsenal captain says he could not believe what he was hearing when his manager broke the news.

"Sir Alex came through the dressing room door and the first thing he said was that he was retiring.

"I had to gasp for breath and I shook my head. Had he really said what I thought he'd said?

"The room fell deathly quiet and then everyone became emotional.

"Sir Alex then had a long talk with the squad. I found it a very special speech and felt privileged to have witnessed it.

"It was an historical moment for football, even though I was not happy to hear his message."

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