Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Robin van Persie is a better player than he initially thought when the Dutchman joined Manchester United back in 2012.
The retired defender, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, has paid tribute to the striker, who is on the verge of joining Fenerbahce.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Ferdinand revealed how Van Persie, who signed from Arsenal three years ago, took Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement the hardest out of the entire squad back in 2013.
Ferdinand wrote: "The moment Sir Alex Ferguson told us in the changing room at Carrington that he was retiring, I looked to my left around 6 lockers where I saw a totally devastating looking RVP... he was shaking his head in shock, completely disheartened it seemed. Robin took it the worst out of the whole squad.
"As a player he is so silky to watch, great touch, can hold the ball up & bring others into play, timings of his runs, skills & a dream of a left foot....oh and he can finish!
"He was actually a better player than I thought he was when he arrived at Manchester United - I had played against him many times vs Arsenal, so I knew he was good but not this good. Maybe that was because he was up against me and VIDA though!! On a serious note though, I think that was the general thought through the squad too. 'Well done boss on bringing him here'."
Van Persie scored 10 goals for United last season.
