Dutchman worried about game-time
Robin van Persie has revealed he is weighing up his options about staying at Manchester United.
The striker has just one year left on his current contract at Old Trafford, having been signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012 from Premier League rivals, Arsenal, for £24million.
The striker described the season just gone as a “strange and difficult” one for himself, having struggled for fitness and form, especially in front of goal.
The Dutchman found the net just ten times in the Premier League, his worst goal scoring campaign in five years. This came as a surprise to many, with former Holland national team manager Louis van Gaal in charge.
Van Persie seems willing to stick it out for the good of his wife and children, who are settled in Cheshire.
However he is mindful of playing regularly, in order to be picked for the Euro 2016 Netherlands squad.
Striker Considering his Future
‘I must evaluate the situation,’ said Van Persie. ‘The club is doing that as well. I must consider what I really want. If worse comes to the worst and I won’t be playing much next season I wouldn’t be in an ideal situation with Euro 2016 coming up [next summer] ‘
‘It’s a strange, difficult situation. A new situation, that’s a better word.
‘I have to think, in a realistic way. It’s my ambition to play [regularly] in the next years.
‘But I’m thinking about my family and my children with every decision I take. These are very important for me.
‘I’m a real family guy. I think it’s fantastic to see how happy my children and wife are. That’s something I take in consideration when I’m thinking about my future.’
The ex-Arsenal forward has come in for criticism this season, but he admits it is normal at such a big club.
Van Persie Accepts Criticism
‘Manchester United is a beast, and that has two sides,’ he said.
‘Manchester United is viewed and followed by more people than at other clubs and also more media. I have to deal with that. I made that choice and must accept the consequences.’
Some eyebrows were raised when big first team players, including van Persie turned out for the United under 21 side. But the latter reveals he asked to do so.
‘Welcome to the adult world,’ said the 31-year-old.
‘At one point I went to the coach of the second team to ask if I could join. He told him that he always had a place for me.
‘So I played the second half against Leicester. Then we had Fulham. And we did not go by train but by bus to London.
‘The journey would take five or six hours, when traffic would just sit there. But I went anyway and got eighty minutes and played fine.’
‘Rumours are plentiful at United. If I believe them, then some 35 new strikers will arrive and forty will leave. But I still have no news.’
By Joseph Richardson
