Van Persie gets Dutch exception

Arsenal forward Robin Van Persie is set to be included in Holland squad for the Euro 2008 finals even if he is not fit for his country's opening game against Italy on June 9th.

كتب : وكالات

الجمعة، 23 مايو 2008 - 17:21
Arsenal forward Robin Van Persie is set to be included in Holland squad for the Euro 2008 finals even if he is not fit for his country's opening game against Italy on June 9th.

"In principle, I believe any player who wants to be part of the Euro squad has to be able to play in the first match, but Robin is a very special player," Holland boss Marco Van Basten told Skysports.com.

The 24-year old player missed the Gunners’ last two games in the Premiership and is still battling to regain fitness.

"We will be taking him with us even if he is a doubt for the Italy game. We do not want to take risks with Van Persie.

"We just have to wait and see when he is totally fit again. But obviously I hope that will be as soon as possible,” added Van Basten.

The Holland manager has had troubles with many players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Mark Van Bommel and Clarence Seedorf.

Real Madrid striker Van Nistelrooy has accepted to make the Euro trip but Van Bommel and Seedorf declined the offer.