Robin Van Persie Lands First Head Coach Role At Heerenveen

Robin van Persie has secured his first head coach position, taking charge of Eredivisie team Heerenveen. The former Arsenal and Manchester United star has signed a two-year contract, commencing at the end of the 2023-24 season. Heerenveen confirmed the appointment on Friday.

Heerenveen, who will finish no higher than 10th this season, missed out on European qualification. The club expressed confidence in Van Persie's ambition and motivational skills. Van Persie, who won the Premier League Golden Boot with both Arsenal and Manchester United and earned 102 caps for the Netherlands, is eager to take on this new challenge.

"The coaching profession is comprehensive and challenging, and I've practised it with great passion and pleasure," Van Persie said. "I would like to continue my development, and the role of head coach fits in perfectly with that goal. I am therefore pleased with the opportunity that Heerenveen offers me."

Van Persie has been working as a youth coach under Liverpool-bound Arne Slot at Feyenoord. He succeeds Kees van Wonderen, who announced his departure in March. Heerenveen will conclude their league campaign against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.

General manager Ferry de Haan commented, "Although Robin is at the start of his career as head coach, he immediately convinced us. He is ambitious, passionate and eager to learn. I think he knows how to enthuse and motivate a squad of players."

Van Persie retired in 2019 after two spells with Feyenoord and a period playing for Fenerbahce in Turkey.