The definition of home is an elusive one. For some it’s where the heart is, for others home can be wherever you hang your hat.
For Robin van Persie, after these comments to MUTV, we’re not quite sure.
“I am now playing for Fenerbahce,” he said, “and I want to do well for my team, but of course it will be special to play at home in a great stadium with great fans against a great team.”
Now in that instance it sounds very much like “home” could mean Old Trafford, or it could mean England – either way, it’s got people talking.
Robin Van Persie on returning to Old Trafford: "I'm coming home"
— Berry (@sirberry) October 20, 2016
Homecoming! 🔴🔴🔴
Robin van Persie on playing at Old Trafford tomorrow: "I'm coming home."
— BigSport (@BigSportGB) October 19, 2016
Games for Man Utd: 105
Games for Arsenal: 277 pic.twitter.com/W9RasguYmF
But where exactly is HOME, for Robin?
Some might argue it’s where he began his professional career; if that’s the case, we’re looking at you, Feyenoord.
He managed to win the Uefa Cup with the Dutch side in his first season with the club. Not bad, eh? Sounds pretty homely.
But then Van Persie moved to England to join Arsenal, where he settled in by helping Arsenal win a penalty shoot-out against Manchester United.
Robin stayed with Arsenal for eight years, which we reckon is more than long enough to warrant calling north London his home.
On a side note, remember when Yossi Benayoun randomly went on loan to Arsenal for a season? Great times.
Perhaps more specifically, RVP’s home could well be Blackburn’s penalty area.
And yes, that did go in.
The Dutchman scored 13 times against Blackburn for Arsenal, including twice in the FA Cup.
Just look at him, reclining at Ewood Park. That might as well be his living room.
But after a record-breaking 2011/12 season, where he scored 30 league goals for Arsenal, Van Persie moved north – but was it home?
Here he is, inviting Arsenal to Old Trafford for a look around.
And here he is back at the Emirates with his new club, knocking furniture over and making a general nuisance of himself.
The former Netherlands international adorned the mantelpiece at his new gaffe with the Premier League trophy. Bit showy.
But Robin only stayed at Manchester United for three years, leaving for Fenerbahce in 2015.
And as his current employer, Fenerbahce has a strong claim to being classed as Van Persie’s new home. It’s certainly where he hangs his hat most of the time.
But is it where his heart is?
