Van Persie says his son Shaqueel’s debut was earned, not gifted

Robin van Persie insists his son Shaqueel fully earned his first-team debut after introducing him during Feyenoord’s Europa League defeat to Celtic.

The former Netherlands striker said the decision was based strictly on football needs as his team chased a late goal in Rotterdam.

Shaqueel, who has Moroccan heritage through his mother, entered the match in the closing stages as Feyenoord searched for a way back.

His brief appearance marked a significant personal milestone, but Van Persie underlined that emotion did not shape the timing of the substitution.

Van Persie explained that he made the call because his son offers natural instinct in the penalty area.

“I made that call as a coach, not as a dad because we needed a goal,” said former Arsenal and Manchester United forward Van Persie afterwards.

“Shaqueel is a player who can score a goal from all angles. That was the reason I brought him on.

“From a father’s point of view, when your son makes his debut that is always a special moment. But I wasn’t that busy with enjoying that moment, I was doing my work like Shaqueel was.”

He added, “The way I see Shaqueel is as one of the players.

“This is what we both agreed to a couple of years ago when we already worked together. Shaqueel was handling that really well, I am too in my opinion.

“Later on when we are home of course we will have a nice moment, when we are proud of each other. I am proud of Shaqueel because, like every player who makes his debut, there is a whole process going on before he made his debut. He worked hard, deserved it and, for him, is a special moment.”