Van Persie says nothing about Feyenoord in first interview since dismissal

Robin van Persie speaks at length with Flashscore about, among other things, his past as a player and the coaching profession. Remarkably, the former striker does not talk about his dismissal by Feyenoord last summer.

First, Van Persie answers a question on the football philosophies that appeal to him. ''In football, different approaches fascinate me. As a player, I had a vision that was mainly based on certain principles, while my experience as a coach has taught me to view the game from a broader perspective. Nowadays, I can appreciate both a side that strike at lightning speed in transition and a team that are capable of dominating a match through possession and build-up play.''

Later, the coach without a club is reminded that he once said that 'football is art'. In that context, Van Persie picks out the finest goals of his career. ''Obviously the goal against Spain, the header. And at club level, the volleys against Charlton Athletic with Arsenal and Aston Villa with Manchester United.'' The volley against Aston Villa came in Manchester United's title-clinching match at Old Trafford in 2013.

He quickly adds: ''But for me, those moments are not necessarily the most important. It is more about the moments that come before them, because everyone sees what happens on the pitch. Most people only see the beautiful moments, but for me it is mainly the hard work, the graft, what you do when nobody is watching, that counts. And that is more important to me than one specific goal.''

During his years in the Premier League, the former Arsenal and Manchester United star faced plenty of top defenders. Three in particular usually gave the Rotterdammer a tough time. ''John Terry, Thiago Silva, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were the players I struggled with the most.''

He also knows the darker side of life as a professional footballer. Injuries hit Van Persie more than once, but he always managed to come back. ''To get through certain periods, you need strength, patience and above all the ability to pick yourself up again without giving up. I place great value on these moments – even more than on the trophies I have won – and on the memory of the people who were there.''

Then Van Persie wonders aloud: ''I appreciate that enormously, because it is easy to have people around you when you are at the peak of your powers and everything is going your way. Everyone is more or less happy for you then. But who is there when you are struggling? Who stays loyal then?''