• Premier League

Van Persie denies criticism of English colleagues

ESPN staff
June 13, 2011
Robin van Persie insists he respects his colleagues © Getty Images
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Arsenal striker Robin van Persie says he was misquoted in questioning the professionalism of players in the Premier League.

Van Persie was quoted as saying that some unnamed "English colleagues" enjoyed the party lifestyle too much, and that their careers were being shortened because of it.

The 27-year-old has, however, denied making the comments via his Twitter page.

"Want to clear up some things. I [was] supposed to have made comments about the lifestyle of English players. Words have been taken out of context," he wrote. "Only thing I meant to say is if you look after yourself you can enjoy a longer career. Never mentioned English players in particular.

"Who am I to judge? Think the Premier League is amazing and so are the boys playing in it!!"

It is the second time in a week that Van Persie has had to deny quotes attributed to him.

Last week he released a statement to rubbish claims in the Dutch media the he had criticised the gamesmanship of players from other clubs such as Chelsea and Barcelona.

"These reports falsely suggest that I recently made negative comments about Spanish and Chelsea players, I would like to make it perfectly clear that I haven't done an interview with Sport 1 or any other outlet in recent weeks and I've certainly not been rude as the comments suggest," he said in a statement.

"I respect my colleagues of Spain and Chelsea and look forward to playing against them for many years to come.

"I sincerely hope that all football fans worldwide don't take these misleading reports seriously."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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