Ferguson told me he would stay for three years - Van Persie

The Dutch striker admits that he was deeply affected by the Scot's decision to retire in 2013 and also realises his current form is not good enough

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie says that Sir Alex Ferguson told him that he would stay at Old Trafford for three years - less than one year before announcing his retirement.



Van Persie helped fire United to their 20th league title - Ferguson's 13th and last - after signing from Arsenal in 2012, scoring 26 goals in 38 appearances.



Former United defender Rio Ferdinand recently revealed that the Dutchman was hit hardest by Ferguson's decision to step down in May 2013, something which the striker now admits.



"Rio is a great guy. He talks a lot but there is some truth in that," Van Persie told the press.



"My decision to come to Manchester was partly because of the presence of Ferguson - or, excuse me, Sir Alex - and he told me he'd stay for another three years. I enjoyed his approach.



"We were once 18 points clear of City but we lost at home 2-1. We were still 15 points ahead but he was furious. Then I realised: he's a winner."



Van Persie also accepts that his current form has fallen short of expectations under Louis van Gaal this season.



"Three goals in nine games is not enough," he lamented. "Against Chelsea I had a nice chance and I had three options: chip it, go round the keeper or just [shoot] straight at the goal.



"I chose the last and safest. If I hadn't have thought it over I would've just chipped it. I just have to trust again in my intuition."