Netherlands' Robin van Persie miss-kicks when presented with an opportunity on goal

Johan Derksen was unimpressed with Robin van Persie at Euro 2012

Former Dutch footballer Johan Derksen has blasted Robin van Persie, claiming that the Arsenal striker was an outcast in the Holland squad.

Holland crashed out at the group stage, with only the Republic of Ireland having a worse record and Derksen believes that van Persie, along with Barcelona star Ibrahim Afellay, had ostracised themselves from the squad.

“From day one [Robin van Persie and Ibrahim Afellay] were not part of the group,” Derksen told Voetbal International.

“Afellay is hated in the Dutch camp. He came across as ‘I play for Barcelona, who do you play for?’

“He was very arrogant. When it was someone’s birthday, and everybody had to pay for a gift, he wouldn’t even chip in €10.

“Van Persie was behaving in the same way. Van Persie and Afellay were together for the whole tournament.

“Also, everyone was disturbed by Van Persie not talking to the press [referring to the gagging order placed on the 28-year-old by Arsenal, amid doubts over his future].”

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