Dutch striker Robin Van Persie is keen to star in Netherlands’ next World Cup campaign in 2018. Van Persie, now 31, has indicated that he will not be retiring from international football anytime soon. Van Persie is the all-time leading goal-scorer for the Netherlands with 47 goals in 92 appearances.
Robin Van Persie declared to the De Volkskrant .
“I will do whatever it takes to make it to the 2018 World Cup. I am living a calm and relaxed life. That should save me a few years. It’s my goal to keep playing at the highest level for as long as possible and being available for the national team is part of that.
Van Persie has also hinted that his career is far from finishing, with hopes of continuing until he is 40.
“I am 31 now and I have a little less than nine years to go”, Robin stated. “I won’t be playing for a major club any more at the age of 40, although I do still want to be playing professional football at that age. That’s my goal.”
Robin Van Persie has represented his country at the 2006, 2010, and the 2014 World Cup, as well as the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. Van Persie is the current captain of the Netherlands national team, and is set to face Czech Republic in a European Championship qualifier at the Generali Arena in Prague on Tuesday.
Recently, Van Persie warned new loan signing Radamel Falcao that he “must fight for his place” at Manchester United. “I welcome his arrival, he makes us better. At a top club you should always go for the best, which also fits my philosophy. Falcao must fight for his place, as I also have to.”
Falcao’s arrival completed Manchester United’s summer expenditure at more than $250 Million. Falcao, along with Argentine play-maker Angel Di Maria, will boost the attack of the Manchester club with hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, at the very least.
Van Persie has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, especially earlier during his time at Arsenal. Last season, Van Persie made just 28 appearances overall, scoring 18 goals for Manchester United. In his debut season, Van Persie fired Manchester United to their 20th league title and won the Barclays Premier League Golden Boot award with 26 goals.
Do you believe that Robin Van Persie can fire the Netherlands to World Cup glory in Russia? How will he fare with the arrival of the Colombian poacher Radamel Falcao alongside him?
[Image via FIFAWallpaper.com]