Robin van Persie (born August 6, 1983 in Rotterdam) is a Dutch footballer currently playing at English team Arsenal as a striker. He can play as a striker (as he normally does for Arsenal) or on either wing, as he primarily does for the Netherlands.
Van Persie began his career as a youth player for Dutch side of Excelsior Rotterdam and later Feyenoord Rotterdam, earning caps in the process for Netherlands U19 and U21 teams. He was unexpectedly called up to Feyenoord's injury plagued first-team squad soon after he signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the club in January 2002. His performances with Feyenoord, including his playing an integral part in the 3-2 UEFA Cup final victory over Borussia Dortmund on May 8, 2002.

Arsenal;
English club Arsenal, undeterred by a rebuff during the January 2004 transfer window, made a move for the striker at the end of the 2003-04 season.
He is a top, top class player," said Arsène Wenger of Robin van Persie shortly after signing him in the summer of 2004. The Arsenal manager has been proved right ever since.

Robin's interview with Arsenal TV.


Robin continued to flourish last term. After a stuttering start to the season, caused by off-field issues, he hit a purple patch in late October and netted eight times in eight games, including an absolute cracker against Blackburn at Highbury.
The Dutch forward went on to reach double figures for the season, showing off his dead-ball brilliance - that stunning free-kick against Wigan - and dazzling close-control - as Aston Villa's bewildered defenders will testify.

Fierce competition for places meant Robin's appearances were restricted towards the end of the season, but he impressed Marco van Basten enough to earn a spot in Holland's World Cup line-up and emerged with great credit after some lively performances and a fine goal against Ivory Coast. Robin's idol is Dennis Bergkamp. With his compatriot now retired, the young forward would love to succeed Bergkamp as Arsenal's resident Dutch master. With natural talent in abundance, Robin has every chance of doing just that.