Arsenal star will play against Cologne, says national boss

Sunday, August 12, 2012
10:03 AM

Robin van Persie has told Louis van Gaal that he’ll get 45 minutes in Gunners friendly

Robin van Persie is expected to start for Arsenal in their pre-season clash with Cologne today and Holland coach has said that was key to his selection for the international side.

The Dutchman has not featured for the Gunners this summer amid reports that last season’s top goalscorer would be set for a exit from the north London club.

But Louis van Gaal has admitted that the 29-year-old told him he’ll finally get some minutes under his belt after not stepping onto a football pitch since Holland’s dismal showing at Euro 2012.

“Robin will play his first game this Sunday,” van Gaal told the Sunday Mirror

“He has told me he is at least going to play 45 minutes this weekend. It is a good job, because I almost had not selected him.

“This is the only time I’ll pick Van Persie and Tottenham’s Rafael van der Vaart while they are not fit.

“They have not played a single game yet for their clubs and normally I don’t pick players then. In future I will only pick fit players.

“But van Persie is so important for the Dutch team.”