Arsenal striker Robin van
Persie says it's time his Dutch critics recognised the way he's
turned his life around in London.
He told Heroes magazine: "It's not like I don't go out
in order to avoid problems. I just prefer being at home. Football
takes me away from home for long enough and why should I require
alcohol?
"What's the point of going to a club until 3am? It would only
mean I wouldn't get enough sleep. The most important things in my
life are Bouchra, my son, my family and football.
"Many still see me as the troublemaker I was at Feyenoord. In
Rotterdam I went out a lot and had a good time. I struggled with my
'bad-boy' image.
"I've stopped the merry-making. I fell in with the wrong crowd.
I don't want to blame anyone - but sometimes you need help. At
Arsenal I've discovered how a
professional club is run."