Manchester United forward Robin Van Persie has rubbed further salt into the Arsenal fans' wounds, by saying he has no doubts about the fact that he made the right move by leaving the North London club.
Van Persie joined United in the summer in controversial circumstances, after revealing on his official website he would not be signing a new contract with Arsenal, immediately forcing the North London club's hand to sell him.
There is little doubt about the class the Dutchman brings, having already scored 22 goals for United this season already, to go with the 37 he scored for Arsenal last year.
Van Persie said he felt it was time for a new challenge. "After eight years at a great club, Arsenal, I'd always had a good feeling, right up until the last training," he told Sky Sports before United's 1-1 draw against Tottenham Sunday. "After eight years, sometimes you feel like you need a new challenge and I found that challenge at Manchester United.
"I really feel like I am surrounded by champions. What I like about being here is that whatever the style of the opponent, we try to deal with it.
The 29-year-old then went on to point out the fact that the season which has transpired has proved he made the right decision in moving to Old Trafford, although it can be argued that, ironically, United would not be in the same position they are now in the English Premier League, five points clear at the top, had it not been for the brilliance of the Dutchman.
"When you have a difficult choice to make in your life, you have to stay close to yourself," he said. "I had to think what my heart wanted.
"I know why I went, it's for good reasons, and if you look at the last couple of months I think it explains it all. I'm seeing things again that I didn't see for a long time.
"When I first went to Arsenal years ago I saw things from Bergkamp and Henry which I'd never seen in my life before. Now I'm seeing those things again and that makes me really happy. It's like a kid in a sweetshop. It's like 'Yes! This is good, this is nice.' This is why I did it. I'm having fun."
Van Persie said he still holds great respect for Arsene Wenger, the club and the fans, but felt it was time to move on in his hunt for a trophy. "I have huge respect for Arsene Wenger, he's a great man," he added. "Even with my move, he's been a gentleman. I'm really thankful for that.
"I had a great time there and I don't have any bad feelings towards the manager, club or fans. In those eight years we gave everything.
"Sir Alex said last week that 'Robin is here at the right time, the right moment, at the right club.' I do feel that this is exactly the right timing of being here. Since last summer I've wanted a big challenge and this was the biggest challenge for me. Every day tells me I made the right move."
It is hard to argue that Van Persie was wrong to leave Arsenal, with the Gunners currently struggling to compete for a top-four place. The aspect that will hurt Arsenal fans most, no doubt, will be having to watch their once-beloved player taking United to the title, almost single-handedly.
