Relieved Van Persie awaits Van Basten green light

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AFP) — Injury-prone Dutch attacking midfielder Robin van Persie said on Wednesday he was ready to take his place against world champions Italy in their Euro 2008 opener on June 9 - should coach Marco van Basten feel he was match fit.

The 24-year-old Arsenal star has recovered from his latest injury - this time his thigh - but unlike his team-mates he has not had the chance to play in a warm-up match, van Basten did not want to risk a player he considers integral to his chances of adding the Euro 2008 title to the one he won as a player in 1988.

Van Persie, scorer of seven goals in his 23 internationals, admits that he is a little pensive approaching such a big match as that with the Italians having not played since April.

"Yes, of...