Van Persie wants to stay at United but admits ball in their court
Robin van Persie is happy to stay at Manchester United and is confident he is not viewed as a bit-part player by Louis van Gaal.
Van Persie has been linked with the likes of Lazio and Juventus this summer but said earlier this month he would talk to Van Gaal before making a decision on his future.
The 31-year-old striker has now said he will not push for a move away from Old Trafford, pointing out he still played regularly last season when not injured.
"Am I worried?" Van Persie said regarding his future. "No, I'm totally relaxed. 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.
"Whenever I have been fit at United I was playing in the first team all the time. People talk about my injuries, but I've only had one this season.
"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.
"Playing in the first team is very important for me. This is why I will probably step down one level when I am 36 or 37. But not now.
"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 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."
