Andy Lloyd-Williams 
Robin Van Persie 
The Biography

Robin van Persie is one of the most talented players in world football today. An intelligent playmaker and deadly striker, he brings creativity and intelligence to Arsenal’s forward line and is the first name on the Netherlands team sheet. Signed by Arsene Wenger in the summer of 2004 with a view to replace Dutch legend Dennis Bergkamp, Van Persie quickly established himself as an integral part of Wenger’s talented side, initially plying his trade on the left side of midfield. Playing alongside the likes of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira, Van Persie was duly inducted into the ‘Arsenal way’ and developed into one of the most creative, competitive and intelligent players in the Premier League. Scoring what Wenger called the ‘goal of a lifetime’ against Charlton in 2006, Van Persie was asked to lead the Arsenal line following Henry’s departure to Barcelona in the summer of 2007, and it wasn’t long before the Dutchman inherited Bergkamp’s number 10 jersey and became an integral part of the next generation of Arsenal greats. From early rifts with coach Bert van Marwijk as a young player at Feyenoord, through to establishing himself as a world class talent after Van Marwijk guided the great Oranje to the World Cup final in 2010, this is the fascinating story of a true sporting talent and one of the most naturally gifted football players of his generation.

About the author

Andy Lloyd-Williams grew up watching local sides Bashley and AFC Bournemouth with his father, Gwynne. He is passionate about all levels of football as a result. At the tender age of 16, Andy wrote his first report for The Southern Echo and never looked back. He studied Media and Communication Studies at Swansea University before picking up NCTJ news and sports qualifications at journalism hotbed Harlow College. Andy was a staff journalist for his beloved AFC Bournemouth throughout their 2009/10 promotion season, and is currently learning his trade at the famous Hayters sports agency in London.