The Dutchman will be remembered as one of the Premier League's most prolific strikers, but the 32-year-old nearly took a very different path in life
Robin van Persie has revealed he had planned to train as a salesman if a career in football didn't work out.
The striker made the revelation during a question-and-answer session with the Europa League's official Facebook page, adding the career choice appealed to him due to the lack of hard work involved.
However, the lure of sport was too much for Van Persie, who currently plays for Fenerbahce after spending most of his career with Arsenal and Manchester United, and eventually found his true calling.
"I had to choose an area at school and I chose salesman," Van Persie said. "It was the easiest package!
"But I wanted to do something in sport. Tennis, swimming, table tennis, bowling... Anything with a ball!"
- Goal