Robin Van Persie Quotes

For 17 years, I played at the highest level.

The footballer's career is very long and staying on the top for many years is always very difficult.

Is my ability what it was at, say, 25 or 30 years old? Probably not, but I like to compete. I like to go out and play the game hard.

There's no day when I don't think it would be great to be 25 years old and have the Olympics coming in less than 300 days - and be the best in the world. I can't think of anything so motivating.

A gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics is what I'm looking for. I have to pace my training in such a way that I'm at my best in Rio, and when I'm in form, no opponent can come in my way.

I get paid to play football and show everything I've got.

I have always said that I want to play at the highest level.

I made my mind up that I want to continue playing as long as I can.

I am coming to the part of my career where I want to play more football.

Some people might say I'm old at 28, but I look at someone like James Milner. He's 32 and playing like he is 25 or something.

I am a professional footballer and as long as I'm able to make a contribution, I'll be doing all I can to stay at the top.

I'm a naturally very competitive person and I've been competing in triathlons throughout 2012 to keep fit and keep my mind sharp.

As a scientist, I play in the top league - the Olympics, the World Championships - and I want to be in the lead. As a runner, I set personal goals, and I want to push beyond my own personal limits. I was very happy when I practiced for several months and then reached my goal to run a marathon in 2:50.

I want to race as long as I'm having fun, it's competitive and healthy, and who knows when that, you know, date comes when that's not happening anymore.

I don't feel like I'm getting older. I think it's the way I've looked after myself. I take my football seriously. I love scoring goals and I get a good feeling from it, so I'll do whatever it takes to be fit and feel good in games.

I would love to be a player today. I had the right personality for it.

My good health, coupled with joy of tobogganing and my desire to be the best, has helped me stay in professional sport for so long.

Never played football, but I'm an athlete. I'm a competitor.

I just wanted to be an athlete.

I don't know whether it's the athlete in me or the passion I have for the game: I always think that I can step back on the field and play.

I will try to keep going as long as I can. I'd love to play until the age of 40 - it will be interesting to see if I can do that.

That's why I play basketball. To play a lot of minutes, and to help my team win.

I live to be in these matches.

Playing until I'm 40 is definitely a possibility.

As a sportsman you are always testing your limits.