Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been appointed head coach of Feyenoord, the club announced on Sunday.

The 41-year-old leaves his first managerial role at Heerenveen, where he guided the team to ninth place, to take charge at Feyenoord with immediate effect.

Van Persie expressed his excitement about returning to the club, which currently sits third in the Eredivisie and is set to face Inter Milan in the Champions League Round of 16.

“Everyone knows how special my bond with Feyenoord is,” said Van Persie, who previously served as an assistant coach under Dick Advocaat before taking the Heerenveen job last May.

The Dutchman began his playing career at Feyenoord before moving to England, where he won the Premier League with Manchester United and the FA Cup with Arsenal. After a stint at Fenerbahce, he returned to Feyenoord for his final season as a player.

“We are delighted that with Robin van Persie, we can appoint a true club icon as the new coach of Feyenoord,” said club manager Dennis te Kloese.

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