Sir Alex Ferguson claims Arsene Wenger 'could run a poker school in Govan' but says discussions regarding Robin van Persie's transfer were 'amicable'.
United boss delighted to have landed Robin van Persie
Sir Alex Ferguson claims Arsene Wenger 'could run a poker school in Govan' but says discussions regarding Robin van Persie's transfer were 'amicable'.
The bosses at Manchester United and Arsenal have not always seen to eye to eye, with tensions often boiling over on the sidelines.
Ferguson and Wenger have mellowed with age, though, with professional respect bringing the pair closer together.
Wenger would rather not have taken a call from his old adversary this summer once it became clear that his former skipper would not be signing a new contract at the Emirates, but he has reluctantly agreed to offload Van Persie to a Premier League title rival.
Ferguson insists talks between the two clubs ran smoothly and believes the deal eventually put in place will prove beneficial to all concerned.
"I can't elaborate but it was amicable," said the Scot.
"Arsene knew the boy wanted to leave. He knew he wanted to join us. That made it a bit easier but not in terms of trying to reduce the fee.
Great price
"He (Wenger) could run a poker school in Govan.
"He got a great price but we are also happy the matter is concluded.
"From the starting position when we first started negotiating, Arsene has done well."
Ferguson admits he never expected to be in a position to sign Van Persie, a man who ended the 2011/12 campaign as Arsenal's top scorer, but is delighted to have added another proven marksman to his Old Trafford ranks.
"We never thought we could get Van Persie," he said.
"If you go back six months ago, I couldn't see us getting him.
"I thought Arsenal are not going to let him go. When I read he had refused a new contract, that is when we acted. It has been a long haul."
