Robin van Persie has been appointed as the new manager of Feyenoord, leaving his role at Heerenveen with immediate effect to take charge at his hometown club.
The former Premier League striker, 41, will begin his duties at De Kuip on Monday after Feyenoord reached an agreement with Heerenveen for his early release.
Van Persie's first major test will come in the Champions League last 16, where Feyenoord await either Arsenal or Inter Milan in a tie that could see him face his former club at the Emirates.
The appointment marks a return to the club where Van Persie began his professional career and later finished his playing days.
Robin van Persie has been appointed as the new manager of Feyenoord, leaving his role at Heerenveen with immediate effect to take charge at his hometown club
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'Everyone knows how special my bond with Feyenoord is,' Van Persie said of his appointment.
'I am really looking forward to working with the group of players on 1908, together with a strong staff, and then playing matches in De Kuip, supported by the legion, and achieving success together.'
Van Persie's connection to Feyenoord runs deep, having been part of the club's UEFA Cup triumph in the 2001-02 season.
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The next chapter starts here.
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) February 23, 2025
𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐞, welcome home again! pic.twitter.com/mgaM8yl79e
He started in the final as Feyenoord secured a 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
His coaching journey at the club began in 2020, when he joined Dick Advocaat's setup in an unofficial capacity to train strikers.
Feyenoord currently sit third in the Eredivisie, 13 points behind Ajax, following the recent sacking of manager Brian Priske.
Pascal Bosschaart had been serving as interim manager before Van Persie's appointment.
The new manager will be joined by former Manchester United assistant coach Rene Hake, who departed Old Trafford alongside Erik ten Hag in November.
Van Persie's managerial career began with Feyenoord's Under-19s before taking his first senior role at Heerenveen last summer.
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At Heerenveen, who have consistently finished between eighth and 12th in recent seasons, Van Persie guided the team to ninth place.
His tenure at Heerenveen was marked by controversy, including a recent incident where his team played against 12 men in a match against Fortuna Sittard.
'I think this is really scandalous,' Van Persie told ESPN after Fortuna equalised with an extra player on the pitch.
Robin van Persie had two spells at Feyenoord during his playing days, while also playing for Arsenal, Manchester United and Fenerbahce
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His Heerenveen side also endured a difficult 9-1 defeat to AZ earlier in the season.
Van Persie became a Premier League icon during his playing days, starring for both Arsenal and Manchester United during his time in England.
He won one FA Cup with the Gunners before propelling United to Premier League title glory in 2013.
