adversity in football during their time at Arsenal,
according to the Dutch striker.
Patrick Vieira played a key role in helping Robin van Persie learn
how to deal with pressure, according to the Netherlands striker.
Van Persie swapped Manchester United for Fenerbahce in July
but has not featured in the starting line-up for a Super Lig clash
since September 13.
The 32-year-old - who made his 100th appearance for the
Netherlands in their 2-1 Euro 2016 qualifying win over
Kazakhstan on Saturday - has also been stripped of the national
team captaincy by head coach Danny Blind.
But the former Feyenoord man is determined not to let adversity
affect him, revealing he learned how to remain strong from his
former Arsenal team-mate Vieira.
"When you're young you don't know how to deal with situations
like this," Van Persie was quoted as saying by The Daily Mirror.
"But let me explain who was my guide to a great balance in life.
Patrick Vieira showed me how to stay mentally strong and cope
with all the pressures.
"My first season at Arsenal was Patrick's last. There were lots
of stories about him going to Real Madrid. There was so much
happening around this guy, it was incredible, and yet he was a
tower of strength and an icon of calmness.
"He just remained our natural leader. Nothing could affect him.
He was totally in balance, he was on top of everything and felt
he could master it all.
"As a young player I was completely in awe of him. I admired
that mental strength in him, and I think everybody else did."
In order to qualify for the Euro 2016 play-offs, the Netherlands
need to beat the Czech Republic, who have already qualified, on
Tuesday and hope group leaders Iceland defeat third-placed
Turkey.
Van Persie regrets the fact the Dutch do not have their fate in
their own hands, but promised to do his utmost if selected.
"We must battle until the last minutes of this campaign and try
to qualify," he said.
"It's sad that we've landed in a situation like this.
"The Turks are very confident they will qualify. In the dressing-
room at Fenerbahce they've been making jokes, but in reality
it's serious business.
"As long as we have a chance, I will keep fighting on the pitch
for my country - that is when I play."
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