Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie, has admitted he has set his sights on competing in the 2018 World Cup and playing on until he is 40, he told De Volkskrant.
In the 2014 World Cup, Van Persie scored 4 goals aiding his Netherlands side to a 3rd place finish after beating Brazil in the 3rd place play-off. Despite suffering from injury problems throughout his entire career, the Dutch forward is determined to reach the 40 milestone and still be a professional footballer.
The striker this season he will face fierce competition from Wayne Rooney and new signing Falcao, as well as fighting for a place behind the strikers against Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria, meaning he has no guarantee to get into Manchester United’s starting 11.
Van Persie told De Volkskrant 'I will be 35 then and I will do everything to be there.’
'I live quietly, this saves a few years. My goal is to play at the highest level for as long as possible and being available for the national team is a part of that.’
'I am 31 now and I have a little less than nine years to go. I won't be playing for a major club at the age of 40, although I do still want to be playing professional football at that age. That's my goal.'
Van Persie is yet to score for Manchester United this season, after coming back from an extended break awarded to him by manager Louis Van Gaal, after his work for the Netherlands during the World Cup.