I wanted to play for Man United after the stories I heard - I don't regret leaving Arsenal

Robin van Persie admitted it was Sir Alex Ferguson's winning attitude that steered his transfer to Manchester United, snubbing offers from Juventus and Manchester City.

United are set for a return to the Emirates Stadium this weekend to take on Arsenal in their FA Cup third-round match, sparking some fond memories for players who played for them both - including Van Persie, who has no regrets about his move.

Signing for the Gunners in 2004, the Dutch striker defied injury issues to become a key player in north London, where he won the FA Cup and the Community Shield. In 2012, Van Persie announced he wouldn't renew his contract with the club as he entered his final year, igniting a scramble among elite clubs - City and Juventus among them for his signature.

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Yet, when United entered the fray with a £22million bid, he was captivated by the prospect and pinpointed Ferguson as the pivotal reason for choosing Old Trafford over other destinations in what was deemed a controversial move at the time.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Van Persie said that the famous stories of league glory and silverware-laden seasons were exciting enough to reject other top-flight teams and favour United under Ferguson's leadership.

In 2020, he said: "Ferguson made the difference for me in my choice to choose Manchester United. Because of the way he manages, the stories I heard, because of the players that were there.

"I really wanted to win and when I look at that team of Giggs, Carrick, Scholes, Vidic, Ferdinand, they were all winners, they won it