Robin Van Persie felt it was the easiest choice in the world to join Manchester United, a club he described as a "perfect match" for him.
The Dutchman sealed his move to Old Trafford from Arsenal after completing a medical and agreeing to personal terms, inking a four-year contract worth at least £10 million ($15.5 million) a season.
Van Persie made his intentions clear on not signing a new contract at the Emirates, with Arsenal forced to look for potential suitors. Only three teams showed any real interest, with United the frontrunners from Manchester City and Juventus.
Speaking at his unveiling, Van Persie made it clear there was ever going to be only one club for him to join from the Gunners.
"It was based on a lot of things and all those things went to Manchester United," last year's player of the year said.
"In these situations, when you have to make a hard decision in your life, I always listen to that little boy inside me. What does he want? That boy was screaming for Manchester United.
"Everyone knows me by now. I love football. I am quite principled in that perspective.
"It is always difficult to find the perfect match but I do feel this is the perfect match for me.
"Manchester United breathes football. If you look at all the players from Manchester United, the stadium and manager, my choice was made very soon.
"I have had lots of challenges, but how it stands now, this is my biggest."
Arsene Wenger was extremely reluctant to let go of his striker, with Arsenal several fans disappointed with the Dutchman's decision, but Van Persie believes his relationship with the Gunners has not strained.
"From my side and Arsenal's there is no hard feelings, it's just on certain elements I had a different view -- that's life. Nobody is angry at me, I'm not angry at them," Van Persie said.
"Now it's about looking forward. I'm proud to be here and I'm looking forward to achieving big things. This morning I had a good (training) session. I just noticed every single one was very helpful.
"It's like a family club, that's what I'm used to so in that respect it's not a big difference."
A partnership with Wayne Rooney has left all the fans looking forward to the new season, and Van Persie, who will wear the No 20 shirt, had nothing but praise for the England international. "I've said many times before he's a world-class player, one of the best.
"I always look at players and like to see that they can adapt in every single game and Rooney can do that. He scores goals and makes assists."
The desire to move to United played a big factor in helping the club secure the transfer from Arsenal, with Ferguson admitting initially there was no chance of Wenger selling Van Persie to a rival club.
"We never thought we could get Van Persie," Ferguson said. "If you go back six months ago, I couldn't see us getting him.
"I thought Arsenal are not going to let him go. When I read he had refused a new contract, that is when we acted. It has been a long haul.
"Arsene knew the boy wanted to leave. He knew he wanted to join us. That made it a bit easier but not in terms of trying to reduce the fee.
"He (Wenger) could run a poker school in Govan.
"He got a great price but we are also happy the matter is concluded.
"From the starting position when we first started negotiating, Arsene has done well," Ferguson said, adding the signing would be the last the club makes.
He did however, tell MUTV earlier there would probably be one more signing he would make, but only if he became available, without mentioning the name of the player.
