Robin van Persie has stated he will not change amid criticism of his captaincy of the Netherlands national team.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Netherlands have made a disappointing start to Euro 2016 qualifying, losing two of their opening three matches, and coach Guus Hiddink and Van Persie have been heavily criticized.
Some fans of the national team have asked for Van Persie to not only have his captain’s armband stripped from him, but also the striker to be dropped in favour of Klaas jan Huntelaar.
However Van Persie, who was appointed captain of the national team in 2013 by Louis van Gaal, has taken a swipe at those who doubt his rple in the team.
Van Persie said during a press conference, “I have the feeling I’m in the middle of the group. The critics don’t hurt me, because I get appreciated by people who can really judge,” he said.
“I receive the appreciation and feel it every day. The Netherlands is a country with a lot of opinions. Those get harder and harder, increasingly ruthless. That’s a trend. I have to deal with it.
“Everyone can have his opinion. That’s the world we live in. I was chosen by Louis van Gaal on the basis of who I am and what I did and am doing. I don’t see why I should change.”
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
Van Persie has never performed well in big tournaments except for that one match against Spain. I have never been as disappointed in a selection as RVPs in South Africa when he was unfit. He just doesn’t get the goals when it matters.
Interesting that he refers to LVG. If he hasn’t noticed he’s not the coach anymore. Maybe he has something to do with the team not playing well under GH.
Its time to put KH in the box and provide some quality. JW will help. And bring in someone else. Lens is not the answer and Narsingh should be third choice.
You are amazing and those critics have no right to judge you in any bad way possible. Things happen and they are called accidents. Some professionals make mistakes too, but they didn’t have too heavily complain about you. I like the way you dealt with the problem and stood up for yourself… so well done!