MUMMY'S JOY ... Robin van Persie revels in mother's advice
Published: Today at 00:05
ROBIN VAN PERSIE is Arsenal’s double Player of the Year, Premier League Golden Boot winner... and self-confessed mummy’s boy.
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The Dutch superstar, 28, said: “It’s because of my mother that I’m the man I am today.
“She always encouraged me to think for myself. It’s always important for me to get Mum’s opinion of my performance after a match and I make no excuses about being a mummy’s boy.
“The women in my life are very influential, even on the football pitch.
“My mother, wife and sisters are always honest and sometimes harsh in their criticism. I respect their opinions.
“And Dina is my princess. I am a typical doting dad. She can twist me round her little finger just by smiling.
“It’s always dangerous to believe your own publicity but, by talking to the women in my life and looking at my kids, I will remain firmly grounded.”
Teacher Jose is RVP’s very own Special One.
She has bought a stack of books on the beautiful game so she can follow his career more closely. She said: “He reminds me of a deer, the elegant way he moves.
“Robin is an artistic footballer, a dancer.
“But sometimes it’s war in those stadiums. The emotions are so raw. If he’s in pain, I feel that pain, too.”
Van Persie scored an incredible 41 goals in just 53 appearances for club and country this season, which earned him Player of the Year awards from both his peers and football writers.
It was a remarkable season for Van Persie — his first as Arsenal skipper since Cesc Fabregas left for Barcelona.
It is an honour RVP has cherished. In an interview with respected Dutch mag Helden, he said: “I am immensely proud to wear the armband. But I am still the same person I was when I was just one of the team.
“I’m not a big shouter. But I can also be direct. If someone does something wrong, I’ll give it to them straight. Otherwise no one would take me seriously.”
When he joined from Feyenoord for £2.75million in 2004, Gunners legend Patrick Vieira was captain — and RVP learnt a lot from the French midfield great.
He said: “Patrick was a great leader. He would never belittle the younger players, though he could be hard if he needed to be.
“He had natural authority, everyone looked up to him and trusted his judgement.”
RVP has also learnt a lot from Dutch captain Mark van Bommel.
Van Persie said: “He orchestrates everything, stays strong for the team and gets on with everyone. I love playing in the same team as him and I’d love to see him at Arsenal.”
RVP has just a year left on his contract and is a target for Barca and Manchester City.
But his mum has no doubts he should sign a new contract for the Londoners — and her opinion counts for a lot.
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