'I have to be honest with myself': Robin van Persie hints at retirement
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Premier League winner Robin van Persie has hinted he's close to retiring, admitting he has to be 'honest' with himself.
The 34-year-old won the title with Manchester United and is now enjoying what appears to be a swansong with first club Feyenoord.
He returned to the Dutch club in January after leaving Fenerbache where he'd played since leaving Old Trafford back in 2015.
Van Persie rolled back the years on Sunday, netting his side's second goal in the 3-0 Dutch Cup final win over AZ Alkmaar, but admitted he's thinking about his future.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
"There will come a moment where I have to be honest with myself -- like now," Van Persie told Dutch broadcaster NOS .
"Today with the final, it turned out to be great for everyone, myself included, and I am very happy with that.
"But people don't see the other side, which is that for the last three weeks, I have been going to bed at 10 p.m. every evening and that I eat the right things at the right time.
(Image: AFP)
"There is a lot that comes with being able to deliver today and sometimes that is a struggle. Sometimes the recovery takes a little longer than I want."
With the fact he claims that Feyenoord would like him to return next season, the 103 capped former Dutch international says he will do all he can to keep going until 'he's 40'.
(Image: Manchester United)
"I also really want it, but you have to be honest and people don't see that other side," Van Persie added.
"And sometimes it really is a struggle and I get tired of it myself, to be honest.
"I am working with the guys. I want to help them ... [and] I would like to play until I am 40. I am really happy the last [few months] and we will see what the future holds. Time will tell."