Scorer of some of the Premier League era's most spectacular goals, Robin van Persie's masterful touch and technique is renowned the world over. Across his eight year span at Arsenal, the Dutchman developed into not only a formidable striker, scoring 132 times in his tenure at the Emirates, but also a charismatic leader, prompting coach Arsene Wenger to name him as the team's captain as the departing Cesc Fabregas bid farewell in August 2011.
With an incredible average of over one goal per league game in 2011, van Persie didn't shrink under the weight of his new responsibilities as captain, instead confirming his status as one of the deadliest strikers in the world. In October 2011, he blasted his way past 100 goals for the Gunners - not a bad return for a player bought for a paltry £2.75m from Dutch side Feyenoord in 2004.
He was seen by many at Arsenal as the heir to club legend Dennis Bergkamp, though in truth his control, elegence and back catalogue of sublime volleyed goals bears more comparison to another Dutch master, the revered Marco van Basten.
In August 2012, he was brought to Manchester United as the goal threat upon which Sir Alex Ferguson rests his hopes of prizing the Premier League title back from Manchester City, setting into motion a new chapter in the story of one of English football's most consistent entertainers.