Robin Van Persie: 'I told my son he sounded like a loser'

Robin van Persie, born 6 August 1983, is a Dutch football coach and former professional footballer who played as a striker. Regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, Van Persie was known for his excellent technique and ball control, intelligent positioning, and vision. He is the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands national team. He is currently an assistant manager at boyhood club Feyenoord in his first managerial role.

Starting his career as a winger, Van Persie made his senior debut for Feyenoord during the 2001–02 season, which culminated with victory in the 2002 UEFA Cup Final; he was also named as the Dutch Football Talent of the Year. After five years with Feyenoord, he fell out with manager Bert van Marwijk, and he joined English club Arsenal in 2004 as a long-term replacement for compatriot Dennis Bergkamp. Van Persie was converted to a striker by manager Arsène Wenger and went on to be a consistent goal scorer for Arsenal. He scored a club record of 35 goals in 2011 and was club captain for the 2011–12 season, prior to joining rivals Manchester United in July 2012. In his first season, he won the Premier League and his second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot.

After two injury-hit seasons followed, Van Persie fell out of favour at United and he was allowed to leave for Fenerbahçe in July 2015. During his spell in Turkey, Van Persie featured regularly in his first season, but saw limitations in playing time in the following two campaigns after suffering with injuries, with both club and player agreeing to a buyout in January 2018, after which he re-joined Feyenoord on a free transfer. By the end of the season he had helped his boyhood team win the Dutch Cup, his first trophy since the 2013 FA Community Shield.

After representing the Netherlands at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level, Van Persie made his senior international debut in 2005 in a friendly match against Romania. A month later, he scored his first senior international goal in a 4–0 win over Finland. Van Persie has over 100 caps and scored 50 goals for the Netherlands, and from 2013 to 2015 he was the team's captain. He has represented his country at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships.

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The High Performance Podcast offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of high-achieving, successful individuals. It doesn’t matter where our guest has excelled - in sport, music, business or entertainment – they all have first-hand experiences and lessons to share. Find out what non-negotiable behaviours they employed to get them to the top, and keep them there.

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[manchesterisred]

Phenomenal parenting. Unconditional love, but also drawing his son's attention to where he might be going wrong for himself in his own goals - and highlighting that he is loved either way. Incredible.

[zharifothman]

And Shaqueel Van Persie has just signed professional contact with Feyenoord at just 15. achieving the same feat as his father. Brilliant parenting.

[dsg]

Brilliant piece of advice on parenting as well as life from a winner!

[JRLeeRadio]

One of the best piece of educational advice I've heard. Just by hearing the flying Dutchman say this gives me the goosebumps. Such a great way to discipline, yet at the same time, show love to your children!!

[BobSaysWhat]

he gives tough advice but at same time he gives support and love by saying "i love you no matter what"

[Tails]

"You either take control or you end up at spurs"

[rosscowan]

We used this in our parents group chat, it’s the best advice a parent could give their son! All mindset, growth is the most important thing you can give a young athlete.

[takenoshots]

Just signed his 1st professional contract. since then he achieved goal of the month award and top scorer award

[brianpistolwhip]

Wish I had a dad like that when I was younger.

[pp-bbjj]

This is what fathers do.

And society doesn't appreciate it. He is a batter player and a person because his father told him the truth. You sound like a loser but you don't have to be a loser. Do the work. Be better. And that's it.

[patriciomora]

What a mature way to approach a conversation with your kid! Great advise for parents.

[xmelseru]

while dutch people have a very unique style of communicating, one thing that i will always appreciate about our country is the directness and 'no sugarcoating' approach to communication

[robdegouveia]

If van persie's lad makes it as a footballer or at life in general, he will probably owe it to this chat. Top parenting.

[aero]

Honest truths, with a kind edge. Taking up on the advice already at age 13 is gonna do wonders for his passion.

[rishabhaniket]

This is a priceless advice. You can find this scenario in pretty much every place or day.

[sultanabran]

this mentality from one of the best strikers of his entire generation. not surprised

[Real_G]

That’s a proud dad, The moment he see his boy go hard, He said to himself “That’s my boy”.

[ConorNeill]

Was listening to your end of year review podcast with Happy podcast... and loved when you shared this clip and what it meant to you all. Great to find your podcast in 2021! love what you are sharing each week. Thanks 🖤🖤🖤

[ovidiuNa]

With a name like Shaqueel Van Persie this boy can't ever be a loser! He will be a great player

[YoiAmGucci]

That is just life advice right there. If you blame others you'll never improve. We're quick to take the credit but rarely the blame. If you own it all you'll have no excuses left, who you see in the mirror will always be your toughest opponent but can be closest ally.