Robin van Persie: I joined Manchester United because of Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie of Manchester United

Manchester United man Robin van Persie has said that Wayne Rooney is one of the reasons he left Arsenal to join the Old Trafford club, according toGoal.com.

Van Persie also took time to state that it was in no way Rooney’s fault that England had exited the competition, pointing out that Rooney had put in a lot of effort.

Van Persie said: “As I’ve said many times, Wayne was partly the reason I came to Manchester United. I never regretted saying that because by training and playing with him he’s shown me that he’s a world class player. He’s a great player and a great goalscorer.

“Wayne is not to blame, he gave his all for his country. It’s not fair to criticise him so much.

“He was under a lot of pressure and that is his life since he made his debut. I think he played well. You can’t blame him for scoring one goal, working his socks off and missing three chances by inches.”

Rooney scored his first ever World Cup goal against Uruguay on Thursday, but Liverpool’s Luis Suarez scored two to leave England without a single point after their opening two games. An Italy loss to surprise package Costa Rica on Friday afternoon eliminated England before they had even kicked a ball in their third match.

Van Persie’s Netherlands have, on the other hand, impressed so far in the competition. Van Persie scored one of the goals of the tournament thus far against Spain in their opening match, heading a looped effort over Iker Casillas.

Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie assisted a combined total of 13 goals for Manchester United in the league last season.