RVP pays tribute to former Newcastle forward

Manchester United and Netherlands forward Robin van Persie (Action Images)

 

 

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie paid tribute to ex-Newcastle United forward Patrick Kluivert, as the former Arsenal man closes in on the Netherlands' all-time international goalscoring record.

  Van Persie scored two goals away to Andorra in a 2-0 World Cup qualification victory on Tuesday night, his 37th and 38th for Holland.

Kluivert is the country's current all-time highest goalscorer, with 40 international goals to his name.
Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's win, van Persie said there is no sense of bitterness or competition between the pair however.

In fact the Dutchman revealed that Kluivert is supportive of his bid to break the scoring record and also expressed his joy at being able to contribute to a victory that sealed his country's place in the Brazil 2014 finals.

Van Persie said: “Kluivert helps me a great deal. We speak often and he gives me lots of useful advice.
“I'm very happy we've reached the World Cup finals", he continued.

"We've worked very hard, both over all of last year and in the match against Andorra. I think we're on the right track.”

The win against Andorra leaves Netherlands top of Group D, eight points clear of Hungary in second, with two games left to play.

Hungary, who have 14 points, are closely followed by Turkey and Romania, both on 13 points.