Robin van Persie has revealed that conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson and the Manchester United players convinced him to turn down a move to Manchester City in order to join the Red Devils.
The Dutchman established himself as one of the Premier League's best forwards during his time with Arsenal and sparked a transfer frenzy when he announced his intentions to leave the Gunners after failing to challenge for major honours.
As a result, Arsene Wenger was forced to sell the striker to avoid losing him on a free and there were plenty of suitors for his signature.
Both Manchester clubs showed significant interest in the Netherlands international, but it was United who secured his services, paying £20million to their league rivals in August 2012.
Van Persie would make 105 appearances for the Red Devils, winning the Premier League in 2013, and the striker has now revealed why he chose to move to United ahead of City.
"I had a decision between City or United," he told BT Sport. "I had the best feeling with [Sir Alex] Ferguson. Rio [Ferdinand], [Nemanja] Vidic, [Paul] Scholes, [Ryan] Giggs and [Michael] Carrick."
Van Persie added: "It was a big challenge and I realised if you make a move like that, you will not make everyone happy, but I stood by it.
"I made that choice and I'm proud of it."
The former Feyenoord striker was instrumental in guiding United to their famed 20th Premier League triumph, conveniently wearing the No.20 jersey, and admitted the number choice proved to be fate.
"[Dimitar] Berbatov was leaving, but he was still there and had number nine," he said. "Ferguson said you could wait or take number 20. Rene Meulensteen said '20!'"
"I said yes, it's a round number. He said 'No! We are here to win the 20th league!' I said yes!"
