The Dutchman will be remembered as one of the Premier League’s greatest strikers, currently sitting 10th on the top scorers’ list with 144 goals during spells with Arsenal and Manchester United.

Celebrating his 33rd birthday today, Van Persie is also the Netherlands’ top scorer with 50 goals in 101 caps. He played in three World Cups and two European Championships for the Oranje.

Part of the Feyenoord team that won the 2002 UEFA Cup, he moved to the Gunners, winning the 2005 FA Cup, before making the controversial move to the Red Devils.

Both spells were prolific, scoring 132 goals in 277 appearances for Arsenal and 58 in 105 for United.

His 26 goals in the 2012/13 Premier League season practically won United the title.

Van Persie now plays for Turkey’s Fenerbahce.

Other birthdays on this day

1952: Wojciech Fortuna, Polish former ski jumper. Won individual large hill gold at the 1972 Winter Olympics (64).

1975: Renate Gotschl, Austrian former alpine ski racer. Two-time world champion and Olympics medalist (41).

1965: David Robinson, ex-NBA centre, known as The Admiral. Won two titles with the San Antonio Spurs (51).