Manchester United league champ Robin van Persie admits he's jealous of the club's academy kids.

The little boy inside him is still thrilled at being part of the team that has seen Manchester United crowned as English champions for the 20th time.

The 29-year-old Dutchman ­explained to the Sunday Mirror: "I was having lunch the other day with Rio Ferdinand when four 10 year-olds from our Academy came in.

"They had nice United tracksuits on. They looked curiously around the place. I said to Rio, in 10 years time those boys will probably be playing in the first team.

"Now, at their age, they don't have any worries or stress yet.

"I also told Rio that at that age I had the time of my life. It probably was the most wonderful time as a ­footballer. Every day I used to walk round in a track suit. Trainers or football boots were the only things I'd wear on my feet.

"All day at school, after school, on the street, at the club, at PE. Tired? I was never tired. It is amazing that as a kid you don't feel aches and pains."