Van Persie's Title Craving

Robin van Persie has been “floating on a cloud” since winning his first Barclays Premier League title - and the talismanic Dutchman is determined to retain the crown next season.

The Manchester United striker has been truly exceptional during his first season at Old Trafford, scoring 25 top-flight goals to help the Reds reclaim the championship from rivals Manchester City.

And during Wednesday’s end of season awards, the Dutchman also took home the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Goal of the Season gongs. And although clearly delighted, the 29-year-old is more interested in winning another title with his team-mates.

“It is nice but it is not the main thing, which is winning titles with the team and the club,” van Persie explained to MUTV when asked how it feels to claim the prestigious individual prizes.

“This title makes me happy, it did make me happy, but I want more now because we have a great team and the mentality is unbelievable. We can all play football, we work hard for each other and I believe there is more in the locker.

“But it feels unbelievable. It is just a happy feeling in your belly, it’s like you are on a cloud almost every day. There are moments, like when you are in your car driving and listening to music, when the happy feeling comes along and you think, ‘yes we are champions, we did it’.”

Having won his first title, after spending eight years without winning it at Arsenal, van Persie has understandably been among United’s chief celebrators in the last week. However, last summer's marquee signing admits to feeling contrasting emotions following Sir Alex’s decision to retire.

“It is a mixed feeling because he brought me here,” Robin explained. “Although it has only been one year, it has been a year that has made a huge, unbelievable impact on me because of the way he is, the way he works and the person he is.

“We know him better than some other people. He looks after us like his own kids, he always protects us, he is very helpful, he’s positive and his meetings are incredible. It is just a joy to listen to his words and the things he says are always spot on.

“Last week, when he announced his retirement, it was a very sad day but it has been a brilliant year. That is what I like to think about and I like to remember him as a great person and an unbelievable manager.”

When asked what he’d like to win next term, Robin has encouragingly lofty ambitions: “Next year? The Double will do!”