Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie is looking forward to playing "at home" when the Turkish club take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in Thursday's Europa League clash.
Van Persie shocked Arsenal fans by signing for United in 2012 after eight years with the Gunners, and went on to star for Sir Alex Ferguson's side as they won the Premier League title in 2013.
The Dutch forward's career stalled as Ferguson left that summer, with Van Persie eventually opting to sign for Fenerbahce in 2015.
Van Persie returns to Old Trafford for Thursday's Europa League battle, and is looking forward to a special night back in England at a ground he calls "home".
"It will be a special occasion and a special game for me," he told United's official website. "I know Manchester United want to be in the Champions League, but it is how it is now and for me it is a very special group in the Europa League.
"In the last match I had a game against one of my first teams, Feyenoord, and next it’s United. I am looking forward to it.
"I am now playing for Fenerbahce and I want to do well for my team but of course it will be special to play 'at home' [Old Trafford] in a great stadium with great fans against a great team.
"It will be tough for us. United are the favourites, but you never know what will happen. In general I am looking forward to a nice evening and enjoying the whole experience."
Van Persie may have netted 132 goals for Arsenal over eight years, but the unceremonious way he forced through a transfer to United in made him a hugely unpopular figure among the Gunners faithful - and Hector Bellerin.
The 21-year-old was promoting a new range of Puma clothing on Arsenal’s Facebook page last month when he was asked a question from social media by a user with the name VanItaliaPersie. Immediately Bellerin replied: “By the way, I don’t like that name.”
