Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie has revealed who his footballing idols were growing up and which players he has been most impressed with over the course of his career.

Van Persie responded to a question asked on the official UEFA Europa League Facebook account regarding who his idol players were.

The experienced striker spent eight seasons at Arsenal so it is no surprise that former Gunners stars Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry were on his list but his biggest influence was Diego Maradona.

The Dutch striker responded by saying: “Diego Maradona. When I was younger I enjoyed watching Dennis Bergkamp as well. Romário Faria when he was playing for PSV and later Ronaldo Nazário de Lima. When I started watching the Premier League, Cantona, Bergkamp and Thierry Henry.”

Van Persie achieved star status at Arsenal but fell out of favour with Gunners fans after leaving the club for rivals Manchester United.

The prolific striker did however, win the Premier League title in his first season at United so probably will not be all that bothered. In fact Van Persie went down in history as being part of the Red Devils side that won the league title for a record 20th time.

Van Persie has 14 goals and one assist in all competitions for the Yellow Canaries this season and could end up facing his former side United in the Europa League in the quarter-final stages depending on the results of the Last 16.

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