It's an honour to join Manchester United, insists Van Persie after signing huge £250,000-a-week deal

Robin van Persie has revealed his delight at signing for Manchester United.

The Dutch superstar completed his £24million switch from Arsenal on Friday morning.

He said: 'It’s an honour to sign for Manchester United.

'I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can’t wait to get started.'

Van Persie, who could now make his debut at Everton on Monday night, arrived at Manchester United's training ground on Friday morning to sign his new £12million-a-year contract.

The Dutch international underwent a medical in Manchester on Thursday night before spending the night in a Cheshire hotel.

It is understood that the 29-year-old was then taken to United's training ground at 9am to meet his new team-mates and sign the astonishing £250,000-a-week deal that will give him parity at the club with Wayne Rooney.

Signing on: Robin van Persie poses with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

 

Van Persie is expected to train with United on Saturday and go straight in to the team for the season's opener at Everton on Monday.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: 'Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football.
'His talents need no introduction to our fans – he has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding.
He later told MUTV: 'The boy wanted to come. He turned down various clubs. If he hadn't told Arsenal he wanted to go to Manchester United, the transfer wouldn't have happened.'
Ferguson admitted he thought it would be impossible to get Van Persie to sign, but had to make an attempt when the striker did not sign a new contract with the north London club.
'It has given everyone a lift,' said Ferguson. 'I have a complication to my life (selection). I don't know how I managed in 1999.
'They can gel together. Robin's best position is furthest up the pitch. The most important thing is to win what we want to win. These players can help us to do that.'
Ferguson revealed he was still looking at a new signing for 'one more position' but 'only if a certain player came available'.
Van Persie's old Arsenal team-mate Cesc Fabregas tweeted: 'As a friend and team mate of mine for the last 8 years i want to wish good luck to @Persie_Official and his new adventure at Man United.'
An Arsenal statement read: 'Arsenal Football Club can confirm that Robin van Persie has now completed a transfer to Manchester United after terms were agreed between the clubs. 
'This ends Robin’s eight-year association with Arsenal, after joining the Gunners from Dutch side Feyenoord in May 2004.