Arsene Wenger has praised the way that Robin van Persie conducts himself as a professional footballer.
The pair worked together until this summer when Van Persie opted to end his eight-year stint at the Emirates Stadium in favour of a move to Manchester United.
Despite previously going on record to express his disappointment at losing the Dutch international's services, Wenger has no complaints over the level of professionalism that the 29-year-old showed during his spell with the Gunners.
"Robin van Persie is the kind of player you rarely meet in your life: an exception, the very definition of the word. He has everything a coach dreams to have in a single player," Wenger told Eurosport. "He's smart, classy, clever when he moves, has killer-instinct, and is focused during 90 minutes.
"He has a deep love for football. He watches matches at home, analysing everything. It's so rare for a single player to have such a quest for perfection, allied with such talent and class.
"It's fortunate. He spent eight seasons with me, and he never stopped developing himself. We could never imagine he would become the player he is right now."
Van Persie has scored four goals since joining United.
Liam Apicella
