Dutch striker Van Persie wants to play until he is 40, targets 100 caps
Robin van Persie wants to play international soccer until he is 40, offering him the chance to earn 100 caps.
The Manchester United striker has already made 83 appearances for the Netherlands, and will add to that tally at this summer's World Cup.
Another finals showing in Brazil will be his third at soccer's showpiece event, but it will not be his last if Van Persie has anything to do with it.
At 30 years of age, he believes he has another decade of service ahead of him.
He must continue to produce the goods at club level if he is to remain in the fold, but the appointment of current national team coach Louis van Gaal as the new boss at Old Trafford should aid his cause in the short term.
Van Persie said of his ambitions to emulate United colleague Ryan Giggs, who has just hung up his boots after 24 years at the top: "I want to play as long as possible for the national team.
"If my body allows it, I'd like to play until I am 40. My goal is to play 100 caps, at least."
Van Persie has also been reiterating his admiration for Van Gaal and the excitement his appointment as successor to David Moyes at United has brought.
He added: "I never had a relationship with a coach like I have with Van Gaal - it's very special.
"We have had fantastic talks in the past two years. From minute one we got along well."
