Feyenoord veteran Robin van Persie has spoken of his time with Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.

Van Persie rates Nice coach Vieira as the best leader he's played with.

He recalled to Voetbal International: "That was really an absolute leader, nothing forced, in fact."

Discussing his debut against Portsmouth, Van Persie continued: "Vieira came to me and said, 'How are you?' And I am completely nervous: 'Yes, I'm fine'.

"He said, 'You just have to do what you do during training, I'll run for you'.

"He said: 'I'm going to win back those balls for you. Then I deliver them to you. This is your chance, take your chance!'"