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World Cup: Robin van Persie says he has been nursing knocks for six years

Image: Robin van Persie: Has shaken off a groin complaint

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie says he has been playing through the pain of niggling knocks for 'the last five or six years'.

The Dutchman has endured his fair share of injury problems down the years, and has offered another scare ahead of the World Cup finals.

He was forced out of the Netherlands’ final warm-up friendly against Wales with a groin twinge and appeared to be struggling in training over the weekend.

Van Persie has, however, declared himself fit and ready to face reigning champions Spain in a repeat of the 2010 final when Holland open their 2014 campaign on Friday.

He claims to have grown accustomed to nursing his way through fixtures and sees no reason why he cannot complete another major tournament.

Van Persie said: “I can’t remember a game over the last five or six years where I haven’t felt some pain somewhere.

“The groin complaint I had you can’t even call an injury. I’ve had so many of those complaints.

“I’m no longer bothered by my groin and I have been able to give my all in the training sessions.

“I’m completely ready for the game against Spain.

“Spain are a good side, but so are we.”

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