Arsene Wenger has admitted that he was "surprised" to learn that Robin van Persie had joined Turkish club Fenerbahce.
The Dutchman completed a move to the Super Lig club on Tuesday from Manchester United, where he spent three years of his career.
Prior to his controversial switch to Old Trafford, Van Persie spent eight years playing for Arsenal under Wenger, who believes that the Premier League are losing an "exceptional" player.
"It's a big surprise," Wenger told reporters in a press conference in Singapore. "I'm quite surprised that Robin has gone to Turkey this summer, to Fenerbahce. He's a loss to English football because he's an exceptional football player.
"He's one of the best I managed with an exceptional technique. I don't know what happened or why he left but he's a loss for the Premier League."
Van Persie signed for the Gunners from Feyenoord in 2004.
Danielle Joynson
