• FA Cup

Van Persie pleads with Fergie not to rest him

ESPN staff
February 17, 2013
Robin van Persie is Manchester United's top scorer © PA Photos
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Manchester United striker Robin van Persie says he would love to play every one of the Red Devils' remaining games, starting with Monday's FA Cup tie against Reading.

Van Persie is hoping United manager Alex Ferguson will call on his services for the fifth round clash with Reading despite the club facing a crammed fixture list - including a return Champions League fixture against Real Madrid and the local derby against Manchester City.

"I have found out that when you play for Manchester United, every game is a big game," the 29-year-old said.

"There are some extra-special matches - like when you play City or Liverpool in the Premier League and Real Madrid in the Champions League - but the so-called smaller games are important also because winning those games makes you champions.

"I want to play against Reading. I want to keep going, playing all of the games.

"You get into a rhythm. I get used to having a game every three days and when you don't play for a week, it can take maybe 10 or 15 minutes to get your rhythm back.

"Personally, I love to play all of the games."

And the Dutchman said he would never consider asking for a rest from the starting line-up, admitting he was addicted to the experience of playing for United.

"I love the intensity of playing for United. It is great to be involved in huge games when you don't know what is going to happen.

"I love the buzz, the drama, the excitement. I live for that. I can't imagine the day when I have to stop playing. I know I will miss the buzz so much."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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