Van Persie Insists He is Happy at Old Trafford; Hints at Extension of Current Contract
Robin van Persie has broken his silence on his future at Manchester United banishing rumours of his unhappiness at Old Trafford and discontent with manager David Moyes.
Van Persie, whose reaction to being substituted by Moyes during the 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion last Saturday fuelled speculation that he was seeking a summer move away from the club, has spoken about his situation ahead of Sunday’s crucial home game against Liverpool.
“Last time I checked, my head was still attached to my body,” Van Persie said. “So I’m the only one who knows exactly what I’m feeling and that is not what I or the fans have been reading.
“The truth is I’m very happy here at this club. I signed for four years and I’d be delighted to stay even longer, beyond the next two years I have left on my contract. I’m very happy with my team-mates and I’m very happy with my manager and his staff. The sessions we have on the training ground are fantastic and I’m learning a lot from them every day.”
Rumours of Van Persie’s restlessness at Old Trafford this season date back to the autumn, with speculation emerging from his native Holland that Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement had left the player shocked and deeply disappointed.
He had also said to be irritated at Moyes’ more demanding training regime, as his injury-interrupted campaign has led to claims that the United manager’s methods collide with his requirements.
Moyes has insisted, however, that Van Persie has been regularly consulted about his needs and levels of fitness and, for the first time, the former Arsenal striker has given an unparalleled show of support for the Scot’s approach to the job.
“I’ve been a professional footballer for 12 years now and there’s no doubt I’m learning new things and progressing with David Moyes,” he said. “Over the last few years, I’ve started to look more closely at the way coaches work to learn from them – not just here at the club, but with the international team as well.
“I’ve worked with some brilliant coaches and I’ve taken a real interest in all the methods they use and the choices they make. And Moyes’ sessions and the things he says in his team meetings are spot on.
“I really enjoy working under him and I’m absolutely convinced things will pick up and we’ll turn it around. He really wants things to work here at Manchester United and I want the same, just like the other players. We’re all working hard to make this work.”
Van Persie has endured a turbulent campaign under Moyes this season, with a succession of injuries denying him the opportunity to reproduce the form he displayed when leading the club to the Premier League title last term, his first at Old Trafford following his £24 million transfer from Arsenal.
