Robin van Persie 'honoured' to complete Manchester United move as Ferguson hails 'world-class' signing

DONE DEAL: Van Persie joins United

By Andrew Greaves

The transfer for Robin van Persie to Manchester United is complete following a successful medical test, the club announced today.

The 29-year-old Dutchman sealed his four-year deal with the Reds for an undisclosed fee – which is thought to be up to £24million after add-ons – bringing one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas to an end.

The striker who netted 37 times for Arsenal last season is available for United’s Premier League opening tie against Everton on Monday and his manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised his first-class signing.

"Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football,” said Ferguson.

"His talents need no introduction to our fans – he has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club.

"His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding."

The former Gunners captain expressed his desire to leave the Londoners after eight years with the club, to pursue his dream of silverware – and he said it was an ‘honour’ to join United.

Van Persie said: "I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can't wait to get started."

Ferguson had to fight off competition from rivals Manchester City and Italian giants Juventus in order to sign his man – but it was Van Persie’s choice to move to United that sealed the deal.

Ferguson added: "The boy wanted to come. He turned down various clubs. If he hadn't told Arsenal he wanted to go to Manchester United, the transfer wouldn't have happened."

And the manager declared that the deal was boosted the morale throughout the club as the 19-time champions seek an unprecendent 20^th league trophy.

"It has given everyone a lift," added Ferguson.

"I have a complication to my life (selection). I don't know how I managed in 1999.

"They (Wayne Rooney and Van Persie) can gel together. Robin's best position is furthest up the pitch. The most important thing is to win what we want to win. These players can help us to do that."

The Reds’ boss also revealed he was still looking at a new signing for ‘one more position’ but ‘only if a certain player came available’.

For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.