After almost 14 years playing abroad, Robin van Persie has returned to the Netherlands, signing an 18 month contract with his old club Feyenoord.

Van Persie, who is 34, left to join Arsenal in 2004, and then moved to Manchester United, followed by Fenerbahçe in Istanbul. He is the top scorer for Oranje, with 50 goals from 102 caps.

‘It feels great to be back. My wife and children had a role in the decision,’ Van Persie told Feyenoord’s own television channel. ‘This is the perfect match for everyone.’

Despite doubts about his fitness, Van Persie says he feels good and has been training to build up his strength. ‘The next step is to train at a high level, put in the time and get really fit,’ he said.

Van Persie has made the move from Fenerbahçe on a free transfer and could be part of the squad against FC Utrecht on Wednesday, broadcaster NOS said. He will have the same shirt number – 32 – as when he made his debut in Rotterdam as an 18-year-old in 2002.