The former Netherlands international was one of the best forwards of his generation, and he is presently inspiring a Nigerian star
Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has revealed his admiration for former Arsenal and Manchester United ace Robin van Persie.
In his prime, Van Persie won the FA Cup with the Gunners, the Premier League title with the Red Devils, and twice claimed the EPL Golden Boot award.
He retired as the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands men’s national team and is currently an assistant manager at Feyenoord, where he works directly with Dessers as a striker trainer.
And the Nigerian international has confessed that he is enjoying learning at the foot of the living legend.
“I grew up with Van Persie in the shirt of Arsenal, Manchester United, Feyenoord and Oranje,” Dessers tells Sporza as quoted by VoetbalPrimeur.
“It is very special to work with him. I try to absorb his tips. I can’t let anything slip.”
On loan from Genk, Dessers has quickly become a fan’s favourite in Rotterdam after netting four goals in eight league appearances, two of which were 92nd-minute winners.
Feyenoord have the option to buy him outright, but the former Heracles man has a contract with the Belgian side until mid-2024. When he was asked where his future lay, the 26-year-old decided to keep his options open.
“If they need me, Genk can count on me. But I also feel very good at Feyenoord. I don’t know at all at the moment.”
Dessers recently detailed the drama that played out on transfer deadline day this summer, which had him heading to Madrid to sign for Leganes only to stop and sign for Feyenoord at the last minute.
The one-cap Super Eagles forward has also revealed that he once received a tempting offer from a Japanese club, but he rejected it on his mother’s advice, as money is not everything.
“Everyone says you shouldn’t opt for the money, but when those numbers are in front of you, it works a little differently,” Dessers said, as quoted by VoetbalPrimeur.
“I once received an offer from Japan. Really, a mega offer! Even my mom said: Cyriel, would you go there? Don’t even think about it? In the end, I didn’t.”
Dessers will hope to be among the goals when Feyenoord take on Peter Olayinka’s Slavia Prague in the Europa Conference League on Thursday evening. The coach Arne Slot-tutored side needs one more point to finish as group winners.