Feyenoord announced the arrival of the Dutch top goalscorer of all time on Sunday morning. 41-year-old Van Persie will sign a deal until June 2027 at the club where he spent two stints, played 122 games, and won two trophies.
Van Persie joined the Frisian club in the summer of 2024 after spending the better part of four years at Feyenoord, assuming several roles during that time. Van Persie signed a three-year contract at Heerenveen, who are now left without a manager midway through the season.
"Robin (van Persie) has let us know that he did not want to miss out on this unique opportunity at Feyenoord," said Heerenveen director Ferry de Haan on the club website. "Although we understand his ambition, the timing in the middle of the season is very inconvenient for us. We started an adventure together and would have loved to finish the current season.
Besides Van Persie, Heerenveen also lost assistant manager Brian Pinas and video analyst Yori Bosschaart to Feyenoord. Goalkeeper coach Frans Hoek - who Van Persie lured to Heerenveen in January - has left the club with immediate effect, as well, but will not join Van Persie at Feyenoord.
"Despite his short time with us, we wish Robin all the best in Rotterdam. As sc Heerenveen, we will immediately orientate ourselves to fill the technical staff."
Assistant manager Henk Brugge will take on the role of caretaker manager during the club's search for a new permanent manager.