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Robin van Persie makes Fenerbahce debut in Shakhtar Donetsk draw

 Fenerbahce's striker Robin van Persie greets supporters
Image: Robin van Persie greets Fenerbahce supporters before kick-off.

Robin van Persie could not inspire Fenerbahce to victory on his debut as the Turkish side were held to a 0-0 draw by Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Dutch international, who joined Fenerbahce on a three-year deal from Manchester United, came off the bench with 68 minutes on the clock in Istanbul to join former United teammate Nani who started for the Turkish giants.

However, he was unable to break the deadlock in the Champions League qualifying third-round clash as it finished goalless.

: Robin van Persie of Fenerbahce kicks the ball for goal during UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg match betwe
Image: The Dutch striker was unable to break the deadlock.

Van Persie and Fenerbahce will now head to Ukraine next week to try and secure a place in the play-off stage.

If the Turkish side do progress, they will be unseeded in the next round and could face Manchester United.

Fenerbahce's striker Robin van Persie walks to his teams bench during UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round
Image: Van Persie started the match on the bench.

The 31-year-old joined United from Arsenal in 2012 for £24m and won the Premier League in his first season at Old Trafford.

However, he struggled with injury last season and managed just 10 goals.

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Robin van Persie of Fenerbahce reacts during UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg match betweeen Fenerbahce v
Image: Fenerbahce and Van Persie were frustrated by their Ukrainian opponents.

The return leg between Fenerbahce and Shakhtar takes place on Wednesday, August 5.

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