Robin van Persie bids final farewell to Premier League as striker thanks Arsenal and Manchester United fans for support 

  • Robin van Persie has signed for Turkish club Fenerbahce 
  • The 31-year-old striker has called time on a successful spell in England that saw him play for Arsenal and Manchester United
  • Van Persie has moved to thank both of his former clubs' fans for their support over the past 11 years

By Rohan Banerjee For Mailonline

Published: 13:23 EST, 14 July 2015 | Updated: 05:27 EST, 15 July 2015

With Robin van Persie putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at Fenerbahce, the striker took to Twitter to bid a final goodbye to English football. 

Van Persie thanked both his former clubs in the Premier League, Arsenal and Manchester United, wishing them the best for future as he prepares to play out the twilight of his career in Turkey.

He later wrote on Facebook, 'After 11 great years in the Premier League, I have taken on a new challenge at Fenerbahce! Really excited to get started and get to know the beautiful city of Istanbul.' 

Robin van Persie bids a final farewell to English football and thanks both of his former clubs 

Robin van Persie bids a final farewell to English football and thanks both of his former clubs 

Van Persie arrives at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul to sign his new four-year contract

Van Persie arrives at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul to sign his new four-year contract

 Fenerbahce unveil the former Arsenal and Manchester United hitman to their fans on Tuesday

 Fenerbahce unveil the former Arsenal and Manchester United hitman to their fans on Tuesday

Van Persie shows off his skills as he receives a warm reception from Fenerbache's fans 

Van Persie shows off his skills as he receives a warm reception from Fenerbache's fans 

Van Persie joined Arsenal in 2004 from Feyenoord for a reported £2.75million fee and went on to score 132 goals in 277 games for the north London club. 

He was a firm favourite among the fans at the Emirates Stadium and was made the Gunners' captain in 2011, which made his departure to United the following season all the more difficult to accept.    

The Dutchman cost United a princely sum of £24m to sign, but they were rewarded almost instantly as he netted 30 times in his debut campaign for them en route to the first Premier League title of his career in 2012-13.

The following two seasons, however, were not as successful and Van Persie struggled with a succession of injuries. Last term, he notched a rather modest tally of 10 goals in 29 appearances. 

Still, the 31-year-old remains convinced that he still has something left in the tank and told the BBC, he believes he can play at the top level for 'many years' yet.   

Van Persie's move to Fenerbache is thought to have cost the Turkish club £4.7m as well as a wage-packet of £240,000-a-week.

Van Persie cost United £24million in 2012 and helped them to win the Premier League title the following year

Van Persie cost United £24million in 2012 and helped them to win the Premier League title the following year

Van Persie was a fan favourite at Arsenal, which made his exit to United difficult to take for supporters

Van Persie was a fan favourite at Arsenal, which made his exit to United difficult to take for supporters

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