Robin van Persie: Dutch club becomes first to take risk on ex-Manchester United hero as coach

Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been appointed as the new head coach of Dutch club Heerenveen.

The Eredivisie side confirmed the high-profile appointment on their official Twitter account with the simple announcement: "Our new head coach: Robin van Persie."

It marks the start of the 40-year-old's coaching career after hanging up his boots in 2019 following a brilliant playing career.

Van Persie himself took to social media to express his enthusiasm for the new "adventure", tweeting:

The former Netherlands international spent eight years in the Premier League, first with Arsenal where he was the league's top scorer in 2011/12.

He then controversially swapped the Gunners for Manchester United in 2012 and played a key role in Sir Alex Ferguson's final title-winning season, scoring 26 Premier League goals.

Van Persie won 102 caps for his country, forming a lethal strike partnership with Arjen Robben and helping the Dutch reach the 2010 World Cup final.

He returned to his homeland with Feyenoord in 2018 before calling time on his playing days a year later.

Now Van Persie will aim to replicate his success in front of goal from the dugout after landing his first head coach role with Heerenveen.

The Friesland club are currently 10th in the Eredivisie this season and will provide Van Persie with a test of his coaching credentials from the outset.