Arsenal ace Van Persie reveals meaning behind t-shirt tribute

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has revealed the meaning behind the message on his t-shirt last week.

Van Persie raised eyebrows when he revealed a T-shirt with the words ‘Happy 91st Opa Wim’ when he scored against Manchester United last week.

He told the Sunday Mirror: “I think I was seven or eight years old when my granddad took me to the park in the village where he lived. It was the middle of the winter and he wanted to go and play football with me.

“He showed me how I could volley the ball when it was coming high up in the air. He showed me how to fall on my back with the bicycle kick. And you know what, he just did it so I could copy him.

“It was 21 years ago and he was 70 years old.

“Granddad Wim was a professional player. He played for Dutch club NEC Nijmegen. He was in goal, he had a good kick and he had a really good vision on the game. He has been an inspiration for me through my life.

“He has motivated me and I used to be proud when he came to watch me. I would always give that little bit extra if I knew he was there to watch me. I would try and show off. I wanted him to be proud of me.

“It is fabulous to have an arm around your shoulder when you are young and have lost a game.’’

Granddad Wim was chauffeured to a VIP box at the Emirates and was crying when Robin revealed the message.

“It was so emotional,” he said. “Afterwards he invited me to the changing rooms. I sat in Robin’s seat and he took pictures of me and Mr Thierry Henry. It was the best day of my life. Robin was only little when he would kick a ball in my garden.

“I saw he was kicking it with his left foot. And what a kick it was! I realised he had a chance of becoming a really good player. Now he is one of the best in the world.”