Bye bye, van Persie

"Bye-bye, Birdie"?  How about "Bye-bye, van Persie"?  It is with a heavy heart and a tear in my eye that I say goodbye to yet another Arsenal captain.  Dutchman Robin van Persie announced to the world – a mere month ago – that he would not be renewing his contract with the club.  Now, Italian giants Juventus and fellow PL rival Manchester City have courted the captain, with hopes and dreams of signing the top goal-scorer in the PL.  However, it would be the Red Devils pulling rank.

Both Arsenal and Manchester United have confirmed the 29-year-old's transfer, which left many a Gooner surprised and, perhaps, a little dismayed.  One of the most outspoken Gooners out there Piers Morgan took to Twitter, airing his grievances.

I think it goes without saying that Mr. Morgan is a little more than dismayed.  And it was this tweet that ignited Twittergate II.  Many of those who follow the football world closely on the social media site are aware of the spats Morgan had with the likes of Samir Nasri and Rio Ferdinand in the past.  Upon tweeting about his friend (or should I say former friend) and the transfer, the football community was up in arms – fan and player alike.

Some wished RvP well, while other wished him a broken leg.  Ouch.  While I do feel a twinge of pain in my heart with his departure, especially when it's to United of all clubs, I do wish the man the very best.  He did Arsenal proud, even as they were falling apart.

But did United really need another striker on their roster?  In all honesty, no.  Their midfield is what needs a bit of help.  But there certainly is something behind the idea of RvP teaming up with Wayne Rooney.  Talk about a defender's nightmare.  After all, Rooney finished behind Van Persie in the ranks with 27 goals last season.  He will be the first player since Viv Anderson to make a move from Arsenal to United in '87.

Sad to see you go, Robin, but do what you gotta do.  All you need now is a doctor's approval.  With this departure, a question remains. Can Arsenal be considered a serious contender in the PL this upcoming season and/or the future?

written by Gail Hidalgo