Robin van Persie and Nani on debt to Sir Alex
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
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Nani and Robin van Persie discuss what they learned playing under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and the Old Trafford team-mates they rated highest.
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What was it like playing under Sir Alex Ferguson?
Robin van Persie: I played with him for one year but it was a very special year: we won the league! The road to that title was very special. I could tell he's a really special manager.
One little example: When we were 15 points ahead, it was in February or March – we lost against City. We could have gone 18 points clear but still we were in a very good position. He was very hard on us, very angry. He made everyone aware that everybody had to give their all. The training was very hard that week, he was almost punishing us. We were 15 points ahead! But that showed me he was a really good manager.
Nani: Working with Sir Alex Ferguson for many years is something I'll never forget. For me, he was the best manager I worked with. It was important for me – I learned so much from him: on the training ground, during the games, like the examples Robin gave. This is so special.
It makes you learn so much about football, about how to win, how to be more professional, how to have stronger mentality. Even today, talking about him is like an inspiration and motivation. I'm so happy to be part of his story. I just have to say thanks for it all – he is somebody I'll remember all my life.
Best player you played with at Manchester United?
RvP: Let's choose each other, Nani! Nani, Robin!
Nani [not playing ball]: So many good players. Ronaldo, the best player in the world right now but at that time Scholesy [Paul Scholes] was great. I learned a lot from him in training. There were others, too, but he was the highlight during that time.
RvP: I played with Scholes for one year, but he was injured for a couple of months. Even in training you could tell that players like Scholes, Giggs … I really enjoyed playing with them. They are players with their own style in their own position. I also really enjoyed watching Nemanja Vidić and Rio Ferdinand. It's difficult to point out one, two or even three.
Favourite moment of your career so far?
Nani: For me it's winning the Champions League. It's one of the special moments – for every player, the dream is to play in the Champions League final and win it.
This is part of a longer Q&A on the UEFA Europa League Facebook page, with fans providing the questions.