Feyenoord youth coach Robin van Persie has explained turning down a return to Manchester United.

New United manager Erik ten Hag wanted to bring Van Persie back to Old Trafford as part of his coaching staff.

Van Persie scored 58 goals in 105 appearances for United across three seasons (2012-13 to 2014-15).

But after talks, Van Persie chose to remain in Rotterdam.

"My son and daughter are important right now," Van Persie told the Life After Football magazine. "The fact that they have both found their passion is great. A hobby is nice, but you hope that they really find a passion.

"Dina succeeded in doing that with horse riding, she's totally into it, and Shaqueel has the same thing with soccer. My wife, Bouchra, is developing all her talents with our projects and that's great to see. We're enjoying ourselves together.

"In London, when I played at Arsenal, we moved five times. We also lived in Manchester and Istanbul. All in all, we were away for almost fourteen years.

"But then we thought 'what's good for the kids now?' and felt a little stability would be nice."