Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has explained that his decision to hand his son, Shaqueel Van Persie, a senior debut in Thursday’s Europa League clash against Celtic was purely a coaching decision, not a paternal one. The Dutch side lost 3-1 at home.
Shaqueel, 19, who signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord in 2022, had been an unused substitute during Sunday’s Eredivisie defeat to NEC Nijmegen, marking his first call-up to the first-team squad.
He made his senior debut against Celtic, coming on in the 81st minute to replace defender Jordan Lotomba, with Feyenoord trailing 2-0.
Speaking after the match, Van Persie said:
“I made that call as a coach, not as a dad, because we needed a goal. Shaqueel is a player who can score from all angles. That was the reason I brought him on.”
The substitution did not change the outcome, as Feyenoord conceded a third goal just a minute later, with Benjamin Nygren sealing the win for the Scottish side.
Reflecting on the moment from a personal perspective, Van Persie added:
“From a father’s point of view, your son’s debut is always special. But I wasn’t focused on enjoying that moment; I was working, like I do with all players.”
Shaqueel Van Persie was born in London in 2006 during Robin Van Persie’s time at Arsenal. His mother, Bouchra, is Dutch-Moroccan.
Feyenoord will next face SC Telstar in an Eredivisie fixture on Sunday.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has urged Oyo State Governor, Seyi…
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has said President Bola Tinubu deserves to remain…
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has introduced a new system allowing candidates for the…
The Edo State House of Assembly has formally impeached its erstwhile Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, eight…
Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has faced mixed reactions on social media after sharing…
Tears flowed in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as the remains of veteran Nollywood actor,…