Things have moved on significantly since Robin van Persie was last seen scoring goals for fun in the Premier League, becoming famous at Arsenal before joining Manchester United.
The Dutch striker now plays for Turkish side Fenerbahce, who qualified top of their group in the Europa League over United. However, it was not just Manchester United in that group that Van Persie had already played for.
Van Persie was part of the Feyenoord side which beat Dortmund in the 2002 UEFA Cup final � #UEL pic.twitter.com/MobWl6xszR
After Fenerbahce's defeat of Feyenoord in the final game of the group, which knocked the Dutch side out of the competition, Van Persie spoke to reporters about his potential future.
Coming back to Netherlands is becoming an increasingly more serious option. And then only at Feyenoord or Excelsior.� he told them, as The Sunnotes. The two teamsidentified helped the Dutchmanmake it on the global stage.
By Excelsior, he refers to Eredivisie side Rotterdam. The striker played in their academy until he was 16, and credits the club for giving him his first football opportunity.
Feyenoord were the team who made Van Persie famous, and drew the attention of the biggest clubs in the world. His high-profile move to Arsenal was repaid with season after season of goals in England.
Robin van Persie: 'It's a serious option' ï‘€
The fans must be absolutely buzzing with excitement!https://t.co/9uQyt5CaHn
Although he is now 33-years-old, the Dutchman showed that his instincts are as sharp as ever when he poached a consolation goal in United's 4-1 Europa League win. The goal brought a standing ovation all around Old Trafford.
Fenerbahce face FK Krasnodar in the knockout stages of the Europa League, whereas United have been drawn against Saint-Etienne.