Robin van Persie has said he is “totally relaxed” about his Manchester United future and in no doubt he is still capable of performing at the highest level.
The 31-year-old scored just 10 goals in the Premier League in an injury-interrupted third full season with the former champions and manager Louis van Gaal’s capture of van Persie’s Netherlands team-mate, Memphis Depay, from PSV Eindhoven on a four-year deal has led to suggestions he could be offloaded as part of a summer shake-up at Old Trafford.
The former Arsenal captain revealed earlier this month he was assessing his options and he has been linked with moves to the likes of Scudetto winners Juventus, Serie A rivals Lazio and Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
“Am I worried? No, I’m totally relaxed,” he told reporters. “I have a contract with this club until 2016.
“Things could change now, but that all depends on Manchester United not me. Believe me, I’m relaxed – I’m not going to be part of a puppet show.
“In August, I’m 32. But I still have the ambition to play for another eight years. In a few years’ time I may have to accept that I will no longer play at the very highest level. I don’t think that moment is coming now. I still feel very, very fit.”
The 2013 Premier League title winner also brushed off suggestions he could call it a day because of concerns about his fitness.
Van Persie, who played in his country’s 2-0 Euro 2016 qualification win away at Latvia on Friday, said he still had ambitions to mix it with the game’s elite.
He added: “I’ve seen too many players quit early. Most of them regret this soon after. I’ve seen those players in the national team and at my own clubs. Even big legends have regretted their retirement. Look at [former midfielder] Paul Scholes.
“He did quit the game but he kept training and was missing football so much, because he knew he was still capable of playing at that level.”
United are currently priced 5.50 in the outright betting to usurp Chelsea and win the Premier League next season.
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