Robin van Persie (born August 6, 1983 in Rotterdam, Netherlands) is a Dutch footballer currently employed by English FA Premier League team Arsenal F.C. He is married to Bouchra van Persie. He is also a Muslim convert, the result (it is believed) of a childhood friendship with his school’s Moroccan janitor.
Van Persie began as a youth player for Dutch side Excelsior Rotterdam and later Feyenoord Rotterdam, earning caps in the process for Holland’s U-19 and U-21 squads. He was unexpectedly called up to Feyenoord’s injury-plagued first-team squad soon after he signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the club in January 2002. These performances, including his playing an integral part in the 3-2 UEFA Cup final victory over Borussia Dortmund at the De Kuip on May 8, 2002, earned him the prestigious Best Young Talent award offered by the Dutch PFA for the 2001/02 season.