Robin van Persie (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈrɔbɪn vɐn ˈpɛrsi] ( listen); born 6 August 1983) is a Dutch footballer who plays as a striker for Arsenal and the Dutch national team. He is a youth product of Feyenoord.[3] Having joined Arsenal in 2004, Van Persie became the club captain on 16 August 2011.[4] His playing style and ability have drawn comparison to Dutch legend Marco van Basten.[5][6] The son of two artists, Van Persie was encouraged to follow in his parents' footsteps,[7] but he instead preferred football and joined SBV Excelsior's youth squad.He made his breakthrough at his hometown club Feyenoord, where he spent three seasons and won the 2002 UEFA Cup.[8] He was named the Dutch Football Talent of the Year for the 2001–02 season.[9] Disagreements with coach Bert van Marwijk culminated in a change of club and Van Persie moved to Premier League side Arsenal for £2.75 million in 2004 as a long-term replacement for Dennis Bergkamp[10][11] He won the FA Community Shield and the FA Cup in his first season with the London club and went on to win the 2006 Rotterdam Sportsman of the year award.[12] Van Persie has been named Premier League Player of the Month twice.[13] Van Persie topped the goal assists leader board with 11 assists in the 2008–09 Premier League.[14][15][16] Van Persie was a Dutch Youth International. Van Persie made his senior international debut in 2005 in a friendly match against Romania. One month later, he netted his first senior international goal in a 4–0 win over Finland. Van Persie has had 60 caps and has scored 25 goals for the Netherlands.[17][18] He has participated in the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 2008.