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Van Persie: I want to do grand things…

May 27th, 2008 | By: Jan | 31 Comments »

Where ever you meet Robin van Persie, there’s never a dull moment. Van Persie is a talker. Open, funny and interesting. About himself, about money, about his son, about the day he saw himself in a PS2 game alongside David Beckham. Oh yeah, and about the upcoming EC.

Than Van Persie looks at me angry: “Look, if I look at you like this, you will automatically look cross back at me. But, if I’m positive and open and smiling, you smile back at me. That’s easy to do. It helps you get more stuff done, life becomes more fun and it doesn’t cost a penny.”

Robin is not a follower of Anthony Robbins or Tom Cruise… He is a pro football player who found his way in the jungle. Once, Robin van Persie was hothead, a rebel, a headstrong big-mouth. He is not anymore. Today, he is self-aware, ambitious but also modest. And polite to everyone.

I ask him how fans in Holland think about him? “I hope positively. I believe people know I am the real thing, I don’t act or play a role. That’s important for me. I try to be honest. Even in my “bad” days in Rotterdam, I might have been a pain in the neck, but I was always straight.”

It seems Van Persie went on a quest to find himself. “When you are young and becoming well-known, you tend to wear a mask. You’re insecure, nervous, you want to hide things. Until that moment comes, the moment you know and accept yourself. You don’t have to act, you can be yourself. That gives you peace and balance.”

“I believe you need to take care of the people you love. That is crucial. Trust and love. People need to be able to rely on you. Look, at Arsenal we don’t have to do anything other than train and play. Everything is organized. Our jerseys are washed and ready for us. When ever I see players chucking their used jerseys on the floor or next to the laundry bin, I get irritated. And I correct them, no matter how old they are. I made those mistakes too. I came late or made a mess of things, but I learned how all these elements matter. Football is not just those 90 minutes on the pitch. Driving a car is also more than holding on to the wheel.”

Van Persie’s biggest love is for the ball. “The best toy there is. You can do many things with it. Give it spin, hit it hard, do tricks… The ball does not have any secrets for me. Some balls are different, though. The EPL ball is different from the Champions League ball so you do need some time to adjust, but other than that…no… The ball is my friend.”

And any ball it seems. Van Persie was youth champion table tennis in Rotterdam and defeats every one in Oranje and at Arsenal. Recently, England’s best table tennis player was asked to play against Robin. “Man, I only got a handful of points against him. Humiliating, really. I thought I had a real chance, but no…” Van Persie laughs.

Then I look at his feet. Size 8. The left foot hit that free kick two years back on the WC. His technique resembles that of Beckham. “One day, I want to be a big player. I want to do grand things. I want people to say: Remember Van Persie? How he won the world cup, or the Champions League or the FA Cup. Beckham has been there. When he came to Arsenal to train, at the start of this season, I was humble and enjoyed every minute. Man, his little sweeping trick, the kicking… He can do it all. Hard, spin, banana effect. I though I’m going to enjoy this. And I told him too.”

The two trained together twice. “I still think about it. He is so fully focused on what he does. Every pass, every ball contact, everything needs to be perfect. He is a real control freak in the good sense. We did a passing exercise, I never played it at such a level. It felt like a computer game.”

And they talked. About details. How many steps does Becks take before hitting a free kick. Rituals.

“Beckham gave me an important lesson. He said: you have to do! Not say that you’ll do it. But actually do it. The last 20% are the toughest. Like building a house. There’s always that one thing you won’t finish. So, it’s about extra training. Doing that, what you don’t like to do. No excuses. Sometimes, even top players have all those excuses. I think I grew in that aspect.”

Still, there’s a big difference between Beckham and Van Persie. The Englishman loves the spotlights, Van Persie likes his privacy. He is, like all top players, wealthy but you won’t see it. Sure, fashionable clothes and a good hairdo, but no jewellery. “Money is important, sure. It gives you security. And I realize that many people, and many fans, have financial worries. That is horrible. My ambition is not to rake in as much money as possible. We use the money as we need it, and that’s it. I’m not focused on it.”
“The first time I had any money to spend, I spent it. Watches, great clothes, later on a fancy car or a big home. I’ve done all that. But I don’t think it’s that interesting anymore. I have a home, and a car. I don’t need four. I want to give my children a secure future.”

He says it in plural form, but he only has one kid at the moment. Shaqueel. His son is everything for him. “He’s my everything. Every day is an adventure. For him, and for us.And it changed us. My wife and I lived a bohemian life before. Now, we are very responsible. Maybe even too much. I never used my seatbelt for instance. Now, it’s the first thing I strap on in the car. I don’t speed anymore. My wife even loves me more now she sees me as a dad. Gilberto once said to me: motherhood is the toughest job in the world. And it is. 24 hours on call. I admire her.”

Van Persie looks outside. The weather is nice, but the pro stays inside. He doesn’t want to catch a cold, weeks before the EC. A cautious player who suffered some injuries this season. “I hoped to be able to play 50 games this season. And I didn’t. At the WC two years ago I was super fit. I have been training as a beast the last months. Holiday? No way! I can’t imagine taking a break a month before the EC! I need to be fully focused. I stand in front of the mirror every day and talk to myself. To keep myself sharp. And to imprint my tasks.”

Van Persie knows that two years back, he was the Oranje surprise. This time around, he is a key player. “I am aware my status has changed. That’s fine. It’s not something I can change or even want to change. And it doesn’t bother me. I demand a lot of myself. That has always been the same. It’s like that now and hopefully it will be like that in 5 years. I want to play good football. I want to be important for the team. That’s how I am.”

I tell him some of my international colleagues think Oranje will be home soon at this EC. “I don’t care. Let them talk. Even if we only have 1% chance, we’ll need to give it our all. The team manager said we want to win the title. That’s a clear signal. And it will be tough, I know. We’ll need to do this step by step, match by match. We need to focus on Italy. And only after that game think about the next one. France and Rumania won’t leave. They’ll be there waiting. That’s all good.”

The interview is over and Van Persie gets into his black Ferrari. Did you buy a smaller car, I ask? Van Persie grins: “I told you, money is fun. You can buy nice things. But I know it’s not what really matters.”

Tags: Beckham, Euro 2008, Holland, Oranje, Van Basten, van Persie

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Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 31 comments.

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By ferenc | May 27th, 2008 at 11:31 am

He’ll start on the bench, but he’ll come into the tournament when he’s needed. Anyone know his number for the tournament? – nice to say that,but the problem is that our first game is against world-champion italy and a good van persie is really-really needed the 10th of june… his presence would be meaningless if he only played against roumania. really hope he will be fit and 100 % for the beginning.

Posted from Hungary

By Rob | May 27th, 2008 at 11:45 am

Don’t worry – Robben, Van der Vaart and Sneijder are good enough to cope against Italy – if Robin’s fit there’s too many attacking midfielders! He’ll make his impact and can always be brought on to change the game.

Posted from Japan

By Alan | May 27th, 2008 at 11:48 am

The height of our central defenders is a huge problem. You see, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Ooijer, Boularouz, all of them can play both CD and LD or RD, a fact indicates that they are of the agile type instead of the muscular and towering type. We need someone like Jaap who has exceptional aerial abilities in the middle of our defense,otherwise I see no reason why France and Italy can’t breach our goal.

By Rob | May 27th, 2008 at 12:07 pm

Yeah – Luca Toni’s definitely a worry.

Posted from Japan

By goose | May 27th, 2008 at 12:11 pm

i reckon vBasten should call Advocaat..didnt see much of Toni v Zenit, i rather play v Tony than v ronnie the handbag..
i think Boula will go, Melchiot is fit, vBasten told dutch press today, tonight hes gonna make his discission..

Melchiot —– Ooijer——–Heitinga———vBronckhorst–

doenst look that strong if you ask me…

btw; Matijsen is strong in the air

Posted from Netherlands

By Bob | May 27th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

Goose, thanks for the video referrals, they are always interesting.

As for van Persie, what comes across from this interview is the typical early 20s “I, me, mine” attitude. van Persie may have matured from his “Bohemian” days, but he is a long way from “getting it.” He is one of eleven, who all must play at their best and in support of each other, otherwise, a very short tournament for the Dutch. Robin has had, in many respects, a mediocre season caused in part by injuries (he seems prone to them) and in part because of raised expectations. In my opinion, he is not an athlete that can carry a team, or inspire it. He has not proven to be a superior footballer when the match is on the line. Can he become one? We hope so, but his interview betrays his immaturity and it remains an open question. If he is fit for Euro ‘08 and plays well and integrates with the team and scores some goals and assists on some goals and plays athletically in defense (he is a capable defender), then his stature will improve. I hope he succeeds and helps the Dutch succeed and becomes a leader, at least in the manner of a model player, for others to emulate. To date, he is not there yet.

Posted from United States

By Ramy | May 27th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

I agree with Bob.. VP needs to prove himself on the pitch big time..

Im more optimistic than Goose about our back four, if melchiot is fit.

Melchiot —- Heitinga —– Bouma—– Van Bronckhorst/De Cler

Ooijer can warm his useless ass on the bench.. Mathijsen is a good addition, i think..

Posted from Canada

By goose | May 27th, 2008 at 1:27 pm

@Ramy; shit, ofcourse he’ll play Bouma and not Ooijer..my mistake (i dont rate Ooijer that low though )
i also rather see deCler than Gio but i dont think Marco will drop his captain that quick

as for vPersie; he does have leadership qualities..ive seen it in Oranje also but vPersie needs a few seasons without injury…to be the big man in Oranje you need to have proven yourself at club level on a regular base

Posted from Netherlands

By Peter vdL | May 27th, 2008 at 1:41 pm

Melchiot, Heitinga, Mathijsen, de Cler (Gio’s past well past it, although I doubt he’ll be on the bench)

Surely Oranje’s strongest back four. btw, Mathijsen has played Toni several times this year here with HSV. Should be able to keep him in check okay or atleast better than that friendly against the Italians a couple of years ago.

goose/jan, why/how does san marco rate Gio so highly?

Posted from Germany

By goose | May 27th, 2008 at 2:13 pm

@Peter; i dont know, he played him in midfield during all qualifyers, i can see a reason there cause we have few good, defensive midfielders (maybe if Schaars would have been fit Gio wouldnt have played), Gio is a very friendly guy, a good person to have within a group and he can play midfield and defense (sort of)
i think Gio has been past his best for a couple of years and i rather see deCler play; dont know why Marco is such a fan, maybe theres something we dont see

Posted from Netherlands

By goose | May 27th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

btw; yeh, ofcourse Matijsen played Tony in the Bundesliga..peter; what were the results? did Tony score in any of them
looks like Matijsen is somewhat out of the picture since his game v the Swiss

Posted from Netherlands

By goose | May 27th, 2008 at 2:16 pm

btw2; official; Boula OUT!

Posted from Netherlands

By Mario Rosado (Dutch admirer) | May 27th, 2008 at 3:51 pm

Good to know Melchiot is in, he deserves it. He is an experimented player and a true right back.

By Caleb | May 27th, 2008 at 4:02 pm

Bob – I don’t know, Van Persie didn’t come off as that immature to me. He is still young though.

I’m glad Melchiot is in. I always thought he played well is his last few Oranje games, even if many people didn’t agree with me *ahem* goose *cough*

Posted from Canada

By sphinx | May 27th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

Defence is our sole trauma
get it Disciplined and less duty for attacking build ups.
Persie will come up at the time he is needed, right.

Posted from Australia

By finnster01 | May 27th, 2008 at 5:18 pm

I think the first game is absolutely crucial. A win, and 3 points against Italy will give us a huge advantage. Historically, Italy has not always looked the strongest in the beginning of a tournament, so I think it is great to catch them in game 1. Obviuosly I wish Holland never had to play them, but the draw is the draw.

Defense is an issue though, and Holland can not at any circumstance fall behind. It will be easier to kidnap George Bush than catch up with the Italians, especially with Gattuso doing a Kuyt number and running around all day, except doing it in center midfield. That guy will kill any creativity so Holland has to hit them early and force them to come forward, which again is dodgy given the def.

I am really struggling with this game, it is a tough one, and if it turns out Holland loses that, then the next two will each be 6 pointers and I am not sure that is a good situation to be in.

Posted from United States

By Jan | May 27th, 2008 at 6:00 pm

What an interesting comments on Robin!! I really liked this interview. The passion with which he discusses his craft, his respect for Becks, his focus and ambition. Believe me, I saw Robin appear on the scene when he was 17 years old and he was so much different. The angry street rebel, rude, arrogant. I think he has matured big time and I don’t see why this interview paints him as spoilt or self-centered. Sure, every pro athlete (or actor, or musician) is self centered. But Robin shares his ambitions and methods and that – to me – is far more interesting that players bitching about refs, or coaches or the pitch or the “fact that they didn’t get a chance” or whatever…

Posted from Australia

By Michel-Olivier | May 27th, 2008 at 6:58 pm

v.Persie should be drop, he’s not fit and he didn’t play that much this season. marco should take this into consideration, three big game against italy, france, and romania. i don’t think persie is going to make a different in these game. marco is playing favorite.

Posted from United States

By Jan | May 27th, 2008 at 7:32 pm

As for Toni, Van Basten is from the JC school of football. JCwould say: if he is that good with his head, we should block the other Italians playing crosses into him. Than I don’t have to worry about our defense. And of course, Ooijer, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Engelaar…all good headers.

Why does Bassie like Gio? I think Gio’s experience, leadeship in the group and the fact that he doesn’t “demand” anything (like Seedorf) makes him ideal to work with. He also has a good pass and good vision. Somehow, Van Basten has something against De Cler. Don’t know why. De Cler started out at Ajax and left Ajax for AZ… Maybe that has something to do with it… Don’t know. But De Cler is the Feyenoord left back who can look back at a very good season, but even with Emanuelson injured, it seems De Cler can’t get a starting position.

Posted from Australia

By Jan | May 27th, 2008 at 7:59 pm

I will allow you all a view in my crystal ball soon in a separate post (and I will require you all to dust off yours!!) but to me: Italy and France will be kicked out! Oranje and Rumania will move on.

Italy fears Oranje. They’ll want to play for a draw. As was said by some of you, they’re slow starters and I don’t think they’ll try to dominate. We will win that first game and probably draw against the French. A draw against Rumania will then be enough. I am looking forward to it!!

And Michel-O, I don’t think Van Persie should be dropped. He may not be 100% fit but he is so exceptionally good, that a Van Persie without any rhythm is a pain for any defender. Van Basten was our wild card in 1988 and that experience alone will be enough for Marco to keep Robin on board.

Posted from Australia

By Ramy | May 27th, 2008 at 9:49 pm

Almost as positive as you Jan!! …

I think since the last world cup the following developments took place:

Italy have become weaker, older.. No new emerging threats, no hidden surprises.. their defenders and strikers have grown weaker, while their midfielders are still a force to be reckoned with. Pirlo is the main creative threat, but besides him most italian key players are on a down since 2006 (cannavaro, zambrotta, del piero, camoranesi..)

France are in my opinion a very important threat.. probably the main candidates for the EC title Their new breed of players coming through the ranks of the national team hold as much quality as the one in 2006.. And worse a lot of their players play inside of france, and arent internationally recognized as our dutch key figures.. Certainly Ribery, Henri, Sagnol, Gallas, Evra are still paramount within the squad, but i feel we will see a lot of contribution on behalf of the rest, namely the less recognized players. The fact that it remains unclear how big of an impact they will bring makes France a big big threat.

Oranje have grown stronger since 2006. Even last year. our group of players looked weak, and clueless, and nothing seemed to gel together.. I think this year things have changed.. the switching to 4231 helped a lot, and also we have several deadly players on form, and most importantly players that seem to gel more and more together with ever passing game.

Romania have a good cohesive hard-working group, with mutu as their star player, but i honestly dont see them beating France in their opening match, which i reckon would lead things to go downhill from there for them..

I say Holland and France will go through.

Posted from Canada

By Ramy | May 27th, 2008 at 9:51 pm

btw, Im looking forward to seeing Wesley Sneijder receive the player of the EC award!!

Posted from Canada

By Miguel Rosado | May 28th, 2008 at 12:56 am

We have as many chances as they do.

Robin can’t be dropped and Van Basten’s decision to take him made me very happy.

I like the fact that Robben and Sneijder played for Madrid this season because Madrid had a very good environment and it showed them that they have to play for the group. Madrid is like Brazil at club level and all the pressure makes you better as a person and as a player so I bet they will be very very important for the group and not only because they are good but because they have grown too.

We might not have the best defenders in world history but what made Greece champions last EC?, because if we remember their biggest star was Charisteas and he’s not a real star so if they became champions we have a lot of chances to win it. It’s all on mentality and if you play for each other you can win. Holland has to play like lions if they want to win and play calm (patience) because Italy knows how to make you feel desperate, we shall not fall into their game and we will win.

By Kervin | May 28th, 2008 at 12:18 pm

http://www.goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=714389

By Rob | May 29th, 2008 at 12:43 am

@Ramy – I think you, like many, overrate France. Ribery is the only World Class player in their starting XI – Oranje will have 4 up front and 1 in goal guaranteed. Of the players you mentioned:

Henry – a fading talent, indifferent season for Barca and has an injury that means he can’t play matches in quick succession.

Sagnol – solid, nothing more – and getting old now right?

Gallas – been very hit and miss for Arsenal, all their fans want a new centre half to partner Toure.

Evra – bloody amazing, but Domenech is 90% likely to start the very average Abidal instead. Gotta love the supersticious weirdo.

Yes, they have a lot of youngsters, but guys like Benzema and Nasri aren’t quite ready yet. The only reason France made it to the final of the World Cup is because Zidane started playing out of his skin.

@Miguel – Greece won because they played a very tight system, and defended from the front. Oranje don’t have the players to do that so it’s not really a valid comparison to make. Our attacking players aren’t hard workers, they won’t help the defence out so much. Also – Greece had Dellas and Seitaridis, who both played incredibly for the whole tournament. For Oranje to win, at least two defenders are going to have to step up and play like that – luckily a lot of our defenders have the potential to do that.

Posted from Japan

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