Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his delight to have finally captured the signature of striker Robin van Persie after he completed his move from Arsenal.
The 29-year-old Netherlands international finished last season as the Premier League’s top goalscorer with 30 goals and Ferguson believes that his record stands up when compared to anybody else’s in Europe at the moment, even Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.
“Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football,” Ferguson told reporters.
“His talents need no introduction to our fans. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding.
“This is the best league in the world. Messi wouldn’t score 72 goals in this league.
“We need a finished player. Scholes and Giggs are coming to the end and we need maturity. That’s why Robin is very important now.
“We never thought we’d get Van Persie. I couldn’t see us getting him, but when he refused a new contract, that’s when we acted.”
Ferguson also confirmed during the press conference that Van Persie was likely to be available for selection ahead of the club’s first game of the season against Everton away at Goodison Park, but refused to disclose whether that would be from the start or as a substitute.