Robin van Persie considering return to one of his former clubs
Netherlands international Robin van Persie has hinted at a return to one of his former clubs in the Dutch Eredivisie. The 33-year-old currently plays for Turkish side Fenerbahce and the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker is considering a return to the Holland top-flight with Feyenoord or Excelsior.
While speaking to the press after Fenerbahce’s 1-0 win over Feyenoord, which helped them qualify for the knockout phase of the UEFA Europa League, van Persie revealed that he is open to a return to Feyenoord and Excelsior.
“Coming back to Netherlands is becoming an increasingly more serious option,” said van Persie and continued, “And then only at Feyenoord or Excelsior.”
van Persie joined Excelsior at the age of 5 and after spending 11 years with the club, he moved to Feyenoord. He made his senior debut for Feyenoord in 2001 and he won the KNVB Best Young Talent award that season. The 33-year-old made 71 appearances, scoring 21 goals and providing 9 assists before joining Arsenal in 2004.
Even though van Persie has said he is considering a return to his home country, the move may not be imminent as his current deal with Fenerbahce expires only in the summer of 2018 and the Turkish club will be reluctant to let the Dutchman leave the club.
The 33-year-old has registered 6 goals and 2 assists in the Turkish Super Lig this season and Fenerbahce manager Dick Advocaat is more than happy with the veteran striker’s contribution to his side.
Advocaat happy with van Persie at Fenerbahce
“At the beginning of the season we had to be careful with Robin but in recent weeks he has really shown his worth and it is great to see him play well,” Advocaat told in his press conference ahead of the game against Feyenoord.
The Dutch manager continued, “I had previously never worked with Robin but I marvel at his abilities in training with exercises and drills especially in small areas. The most important thing is that Robin van Persie plays football with a smile on his face. He is showing this regularly in training and that is why he is playing in the first team.
“We hope as a team to profit from his ability on the pitch. If you have such a player in your ranks you can only be happy as a manager.”
Also Read: What if: Robin Van Persie did not leave Arsenal for Manchester United
van Persie is the all-time leading goalscorer for his nation with 50 goals and he has won the Premier League golden boot twice.
More Football news, transfer rumours, analysis and features at Sportskeeda.com. Also if you are attending a football game anywhere in the world and/or have a news tip for us drop us an email at football (at) sportskeeda (dot) com