Van Persie ready to feature
21 May 2008 - 10:20:46
Injury-plagued Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is confident he will be fit to take part in Euro 2008.
The 24-year-old started only 20 Premier League games for the Gunners in the recently-completed season after suffering a succession of injuries.
But the former Feyenoord striker is confident of being fully-fit for the forthcoming finals after being named in Netherlands coach Marco van Basten's provisional 26-man squad.
"After all the physical niggles I had this season it is not obvious that I am going to be at the top of my form," said van Persie.
"I must take it gradually but I am optimistic. I think that I will be ready for the beginning of the tournament.
"It is both tiring physically as well as psychologically because each time I thought I was getting back to being fully fit, I had a reverse.
"The coach has confidence in me, which is very pleasing and reassuring."