Feyenoord’s striker Robin Van Persie, who previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United, is walking away from professional soccer after the end of 2018-19 season. The 35-year-old confirmed his retirement during a recent interview with Netherland’s AD.
“That is probably at the end of this season,” – said Van Persie after being asked about his plans for retirement. “I will be 36 years old and will have been a professional for 18 years. From the age of five, I’ve only been involved in football.“
Robin Van Persie started his career with Feyenoord before making his way to the Premier League where he ended up playing 11 years for Arsenal and Man Utd. During his time in England, he became one of the most feared strikers in Europe, scoring 190 goals in 383 games. He won one FA Cup with Arsenal and added one Premier League trophy with United.
⚽️ @Persie_Official has suggested he'll retire in May – we'll never forget his contribution to our 20th league title! #MUFC #TBT pic.twitter.com/JNJ56iNmFZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 25, 2018
After spending two and a half years in Turkey with Fenerbahçe, Robin Van Persie returned to Feyenoord in 2018, where he wants to bring his boyhood club another title before hanging up his cleats. Still, even if he doesn’t manage to complete this goal, Van Persie says that his return will be a success.
“I also do not believe that my return to Feyenoord has only been successful if we win the title,” – he explained. “How is it successful? This is actually it, if you look at the whole picture: I had lost the fun.”
Feyenoord will have a tough task to win the title in the Netherlands, considering the fact that they are already seven points behind PSV, who is Eredivisie’s top team. But Van Persie is certainly giving his best to try and make up for this difference, having scored four goals in four matches in the regular season so far.