Robin van Persie fights back tears as son emulates Premier League legend in remarkable scenes

Robin van Persie tried his best to hold back tears as he watched his son score his first professional goals in some style.

The Premier League legend, who manages Feyenoord in the Netherlands, was overcome with emotion on the touchline.

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Van Persie substituted his son, Shaqueel, on after 63 minutes of their Eredivisie clash against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.

Soon after, Feyenoord conceded a goal to go 3-1 down and it appeared that they were heading towards a defeat.

However, with three minutes to go, Shaqueel stepped up.

First, the 19-year-old brilliantly flicked in at the near post to bring his side back into the game and net his maiden goal for the club.

And just moments later, he found his second in spectacular fashion, scoring a remarkable overhead kick to make it 3-3.

He sprinted off in celebration and slid on his knees as fans went wild, with family members jumping around in the stands.

His dad was also overjoyed, and so much so, that as cameras cut to him on the touchline, he was seen fighting back tears.

It was a proud moment for Van Persie, who was able to watch his son emulate him on the pitch in dramatic fashion.

Things didn’t end the way he would have wanted though, as the dream evening soon turned sour for him.

Sparta Rotterdam scored a 93rd-minute winner to claim a 4-3 victory and make it six games without a win for Feyenoord.

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A landmark moment

Van Persie Jr. would have watched his father score so many goals throughout his career and become a legend in England, where he scored 144 goals in the Premier League.

So, to net his first in front of him would have meant a huge amount.

Shaqueel spent some time with Manchester City before going on to come through the youth ranks at Feyenoord.

He starred for the club’s U17s, U18s, U19s, and U21s, scoring 30 goals in 52 appearances across the age groups.

Van Persie handed his son his Eredivisie debut in December, only days after seeing him make his senior debut for the club.

And now, after just four appearances, he has picked up two goals in first-team football – albeit in a painful loss.

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Emotional rollercoaster

Van Persie was almost in tears of pride during the game, but on top of the late loss, things managed to get even worse for him.

Quinten Timber, twin brother of Arsenal‘s Jurrien, called him out post-match for publicly criticising his work rate.

Timber said in a shock rant: “I just read about what was said before the match. I think that’s a bit of a shame that it has to go this way.

“It has happened a few times now that the trainer does not protect the player. In this case, with me. There is a limit. It is happening again now.” 

He continued: “Everyone at the club I have worked with for three and a half years knows that I always give everything in training and matches

“I did that again today. Even if I have to play at right-back, I do that for the club and my team. It looks like a puppet show that it is now being said that I do nothing. That must be clear.

“You have to say that to my face. Whatever I think, if you don’t ask the questions, I don’t have to say it. Sometimes you can protect a player. This was the limit, that’s why I’m standing here.”