The Hague, February 24(HS): Dutch football club Feyenoord has appointed its former player Robin van Persie as head coach with immediate effect. 42-year-old Van Persie will replace Brian Priske from SC Heerenveen, who was sacked on 10 February. Pascal Bosschaert was leading the team in the interim.

Van Persie, the Netherlands national team’s all-time top scorer, has signed a contract with Feyenoord until mid-2027. The club has also roped in René Heck as assistant coach, who previously served as assistant to Eric Ten Hag at Manchester United.

Feyenoord general manager Dennis te Kloese said, We are delighted that we are appointing a true icon of the club as head coach. Robin knows the club well and understands the requirements for success.

Born in Rotterdam, Van Persie progressed through Feyenoord’s youth academy, making his debut in the first team in the 2001-02 season and helping the team win the UEFA Cup that same year.

In 2004 he moved to Arsenal, where he established himself as one of the world’s top strikers. He then won the Premier League with Manchester United and finished his playing career at Fenerbahce in Turkey. He returned to Feyenoord in 2019 and retired there.

After retirement, Van Persie began a coaching career at Feyenoord and coached various youth teams. In the summer of 2024, he took on his first major responsibility as head coach at SC Heerenveen. Although his team’s performance was mixed, his aggressive playing style attracted attention.

Van Persie will face many challenges as Feyenoord’s new head coach. The club is currently third in the Eredivisie behind Ajax and PSV. In March, the team will face Inter Milan in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

Van Persie said, Everyone knows how special my relationship with Feyenoord is. I am extremely excited to work with the players of this club and achieve success.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar