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Has Van Persie given the game away?

Robin van Persie's goal for the Netherlands against Spain has been nominated for the Puskas award © Getty Images

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Robin van Persie is either extremely confident or he knows something we don't ahead of tonight's FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony in Zurich.

Van Persie's World Cup header against Spain is one of three goals shortlisted for the Puskas goal of the year award, which is due to be handed out at the lavish ceremony in Switzerland on Monday evening.

The Manchester United striker has been told not to fly to the event, though, because of the ankle injury he sustained in United's 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

But the Dutchman appeared to let the cat out of the bag by claiming his compatriot Ruud Gullit will receive the award on his behalf.

"On advice of the club medical staff I am unable to fly out to Zurich tomorrow (sic) to attend the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala for my nomination for the Puskas award," Van Persie said via Twitter on Monday.

"I wish everybody there the best of luck and a great evening. I will be watching it from home and my good friend @GullitR will take the honours for me."

Perhaps the Dutchman just got his phrasing wrong - his rivals for the award, Ireland's Stephanie Roche and Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez, will be hoping so, at least.

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