Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie (born August 6, 1983 in Rotterdam, Netherlands) is a Dutch footballer currently employed by English FA Premier League team Arsenal F.C. He is married to Bouchra van Persie. He is also a Muslim convert, the result (it is believed) of a childhood friendship with his school's Moroccan janitor.

English Premiership

English club Arsenal, undeterred by their previous rebuff during the January 2004 transfer window, made a move for the young Dutch striker at the end of the 2003/04 season. Van Persie also emerged as a target for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, and Spanish side Sevilla. Arsenal fended off other club interest and signed van Persie, despite already having signed Spanish striker José Antonio Reyes from Sevilla. Van Persie completed his move, believed to be in the range of £3 million, to the Premiership on May 17, 2004. Praised by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger for the strength of his talent, he made his debut for the team in the 3-1 FA Community Shield victory over rivals Manchester United on August 8, 2004. He is touted as Arsenal's long-term replacement for compatriot Dennis Bergkamp.

Related Topics:
Arsenal - Dutch - PSV Eindhoven - Bundesliga - Werder Bremen - Spanish - Sevilla - Spanish - José Antonio Reyes - May 17 - 2004 - Arsène Wenger - FA Community Shield - Manchester United - August 8 - Dennis Bergkamp

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He spent most of his time on the bench during earlier parts of the season and looked to have earned himself a permanent place there with his sending off against Southampton which cost Arsenal two points, and caused Wenger to display uncharacteristic anger with van Persie. To his credit, van Persie redoubled his efforts in training during his suspension and was reintroduced in to the team when injuries to Thierry Henry forced Wenger's hand. His return to the first team has been marked with numerous goals, the pinnacle of his achievements coming in the FA Cup semi-final against Blackburn Rovers where he scored two stunning goals to secure victory for Arsenal. He also scored the vital breakthrough goal against West Bromwich Albion to help Arsenal secure second place in the Premiership after the Albion defence had proved difficult to break down.

Related Topics:
Southampton - Thierry Henry - FA Cup - Blackburn Rovers - West Bromwich Albion

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