Manchester United and Holland striker, Robin Van Versie has paid glowing tributes to former Nigerian stars who once plied their trades in the Dutch Eredivisie with Ajax Amsterdam, describing them as role models to youths in his country.
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Former Ajax winger, Tijani Babangida who met the one- time Arsenal player on his recent visit to Manchester, England, disclosed this.
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''I met him [Van Persie] at a Manchester hotel and he was excited on sighting me. He told me about how myself, Kanu and Finidi motivated himself and the youths back then, when we were playing for Ajax" begins the former Ajax star.
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''He particularly spoke about the pace and power of the Nigerian players then which helped develop his own game and which he learnt from. According to him, watching the African stars was a big inspiration to him, a big influence in his football career" continues Tijani.
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The Atlanta 1996 Olympics gold medalist urged upcoming players to learn from the great achievements of Van Persie.
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He however advised Super Eagles players to be good ambassadors of the country when on national assignments.
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"It is important that our players learn from the achievements of Van Persie, rather than looking at his wealth.
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"All the Super Eagles players must be good ambassadors of the country during national assignments and in their club sides" concludes the erstwhile Eagle.
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It will be recalled that two time Africa player of the year, Kano Nwankwo, 1994 Africa Nations Cup winner Finidi George, Pius Ikedia and ex Eagles Captain, Sunday Oliseh plied their trades with the Dutch Champions.
Robin van perie has done very well with this points he recently made clear. Bigups to the dude cos he deserves to be happy
I agree with him when he says things like this because its very true. Our past Eagles players made us proud all over the world.