Monday 15 June 2015 14:03, UK
Robin van Persie says he is still able to play at the highest level and is prepared to battle for his Manchester United place.
Van Persie, who still has another season left on his Old Trafford contract, has been linked with a move to Italian side Lazio after he was spotted in Rome last week, but the Dutch striker claims he is happy and relaxed about his future.
“Am I worried?” Van Persie said, in the Daily Mirror. “No, I’m totally relaxed. I have a contract with this club until 2016.
“Things could change now, but that all depends on Manchester United, not me. Believe me, I’m relaxed – I’m not going to be part of a puppet show.
“In August I’m 32. But I still have the ambition to play for another eight years.
I’ve seen too many players quit early. Most of them regret this soon after. Even big legends have regretted their retirement. Look at Paul Scholes.
“In a few years’ time I may have to accept that I will no longer play at the very highest level. I don’t think that moment is coming now. I still feel very, very fit.
“Playing in the first-team is very important for me. This is why I will probably step down one level when I am 36 or 37. But not now.
“Whenever I have been fit at United I was playing in the first team all the time. People talk about my injuries, but I’ve only had one this season.
“I’ve seen too many players quit early. Most of them regret this soon after. I’ve seen those players in the national team and at my own clubs. Even big legends have regretted their retirement. Look at Paul Scholes.
“He did quit the game but he kept training and was missing football so much, because he knew he was still capable of playing at that level.”
