Van Persie remembers Bergkamp influence
Written by Mark Brus on Saturday, June 12, 2010
Robin van Persie has spoken of the influence of Arsenal and Dutch legend Dennis Bergkamp in his early career.
van Persie arrived at Arsenal as a youngster, but has developed into one of the team's most important players over the years.
The striker believes learning from great players like Bergkamp and Thierry Henry helped him improve on and off the pitch.
The 26-year-old says he now tries to guide young players in a similar way.
He said: "Both [Henry and Bergkam] were strikers I looked up to and that also inspired me to develop in the personal sphere.
"I learned a lot from Bergkamp, not only in football but also in life.
"Football really became my profession and my whole life is organised to perform. In the past, I took it easier and had a bit of attitude. But now I approach it with my mind and heart.
"That has changed my life and I enjoy it every day.
"At my club I also try to advise younger players as I see they make the same mistakes during the training or matches that I did in the past.
"But never by shouting or anything like that, just by talking to them. Everyone needs to feel appreciated and that is something I missed during my younger years."
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I learned a lot from Bergkamp, not only in football but also in life.
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