CHONG: WHY VAN PERSIE IS A LEGEND IN THE NETHERLANDS

Tahith Chong has explained why Robin van Persie is a ‘legend’ in the Netherlands and with Feyenoord fans, as well as at Manchester United.

Chong is perfectly placed to make such an assessment, given the time he spent at the Rotterdam outfit as a youth-team player, where van Persie started his career.

Speaking as part of Tahith’s MUTV Takeover - which you can watch this Wednesday - our no.44 reflected on what a huge impact Robin had in England, and across Europe, during his playing days.

“I’ve seen him quite a bit, because even before United he was at Feyenoord in Holland,” Tahith told club media. “So I used to see clips of him when he was playing there and some of the goals he scored.

“But then to see him at United a few years later, and to see how he’d developed as a player, that was really special.

“Robin is a legend over there,” the winger added, when asked about his time in the Netherlands. “Going back to Feyenoord to finish his career was amazing. That shows the legend he is over there and it’s amazing to see. When I was at Feyenoord everyone knew who Robin van Persie was.”

Chong considers his fellow countryman to be such an inspiration that he has opted to watch every one of van Persie’s United goals as part of his MUTV Takeover.

The winger has selected All the Goals: van Persie as one of six shows to be broadcast on our official TV channel and admitted it was an obvious choice for him.

“That selection is quite easy to make because there are some unbelievable goals in there. It’s one to enjoy,” said Chong.

“It’s not just his goals, but everything he was doing for the team as well. His movement off the ball, always getting into positions to score, to be able to assist, or to create space for other players. He was just a joy to watch really.”

Chong was also asked about his favourite-ever van Persie goal for the Reds. “The one that comes straight to my mind is the volley against Aston Villa,” he said.

“It was a clipped ball from [Wayne] Rooney. Some players might score a goal like that once, but he’s done it on quite a few occasions, that first-time volley. That just shows his skill.

“Most players would probably think ‘take a touch and go towards goal’ but for him to do that shows his quality and his confidence.”