Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has just been appointed as the new head coach of SC Heerenveen.

Van Persie’s contract with SC Heerenveen is for a duration of 2 years. The Abe Lenstra stadium club is also the first club where the Dutch legend will take up the role of a manager after retiring from his playing career.

Thus, Van Persie will be following in the footsteps of his compatriots like Mark van Bommel and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who have also transitioned into coaching roles after hanging up their boots. Since 2020, the former Manchester United striker has been serving as an assistant coach and co-manager of the Feyenoord youth teams at the U16, U18 and U19 levels.

The 40-year-old Van Persie had played for Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United and Fenerbahçe during his illustrious playing career. During his time at Arsenal, the Dutch legend scored 132 goals in 278 appearances. And while at Manchester United, he netted 58 goals in 105 matches.

For the Dutch national team, Van Persie found the back of the net 50 times in 102 appearances. He was a member of the “Oranje Crush” (nickname of the Dutch national team) that finished runners-up at the 2010 World Cup and secured third place at the 2014 World Cup.

After retiring in 2019, Van Persie began pursuing his coaching qualifications. There were initial rumors in the English media that he could join the coaching staff at Manchester United.