Robin Van Persie was born on the 16th day of August, 1983 and grew up in Kraligen part of East Rotterdam. Persie’s parents were artists and he was always encouraged to become an artist but chose football instead. Van Persie has only two sisters, Kikai and Lilly.
His Club Career
At age 4 he joined SBV Excelsior a Dutch youth side but left the club when he was 16 because of a little feud he had with a coaching staff. He then signed for Feyenoord and was swiftly promoted to the third team because of injury problem in the squad. At age 17 made his first appearance for the club and in the same season he won the KNVB Best Young Talent honorary award.
A three and the half year professional deal was offered to him which he signed to play for Feyenoord. The same season he bagged in five goals in the thrashing of AGOVV in the 6-1 Amstel Cup competition. Nevertheless, he was relegated to the reserve because of a clash with the manager. He was among the Feyenoord players that were assaulted by football hooligans during a game between Ajax and Feyenoord reserves.
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His conflict with his manager continued and at the eve of the UEFA Super Cup between his club and Real Madrid, the coach sent him home because his coach allegedly discontented with the way he trained when he was called upon to warm up for the game. Persie finished the whole season scoring eight goals and making 28 appearances and finishing second best in KNVB Cup.
Van Persie’s contract could not be extended during the offseason because of his failing relationship with his manager and he was on the bench most the 2003-04 seasons. Again he played 28 games and scored six goals and his club Feyenoord decided to shop him out because of his past disciplinary issues. Several negotiations were opened up with clubs. He was final transferred to Arsenal FC for a fee of 2.75 million pounds over half the price of 5 million pounds Feyenoord placed on him.
Persie then signed a contract with Arsenal football club for four years on May 17th, 2004. Persie made his first appearance as he came as a substitute during an FA Community Shield game against Manchester United. They won that match by 3-1 and won the trophy. He spent most of that season on bench especially during the early of the season but however came on and scored the opening goal for Arsenal in a 2-1 aggregate over Manchester City.
Because of his great form at the opening of the 2005-06 seasons he was named Player of the Month after bagging in eight goals in eight matches and was rewarded with extension in his contract for five years till January 2011. Nevertheless, he was injured after two days he signed the contract when a player marched his foot.
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Van Persie’s form has earned him a place in the Dutch National Team. He featured in the U-21 competition for Holland, in World Cup qualifiers for 2006 and in 2006 World Cup Finals. He also helped his team to get to the finals of the 2010 World Cup.