Roberto Mancini: "We wanted Van Persie because we knew he could be an important player.
"He is totally different from our other strikers. We wanted him for the Champions League and for the Premier League.
"We were very close. We were sure he was for us but this did not happen and now we can do nothing.
"We were very close three or four months before he joined United.
"I think Van Persie, for United, is an important player.
"It is clear he changed this situation. In this moment, the difference is this.
"I am happy, very happy. Last year we were the team that scored the most goals in the Premier League.
"But when you can improve your team with another top player, this is important.
"With Van Persie we would play with three strikers sometimes."