Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has admitted he’s using his own experience from Arsenal and Manchester United to guide Quinten Timber in the right direction.
Voetbal Primeur cover comments from the Feyenoord boss today. He’s been encouraging Timber to re-forge his relationship with the media.
Timber spoke to the media for the first time in a while on Wednesday evening, before a clash with FCSB in the Europa League.
The midfielder has been somewhat absent from the media in recent months. Reports in the Netherlands have indicated that he’s been left annoyed by incorrect reporting about his contract situation and future.
His current deal expires in June 2026, and he is yet to sign a new contract. Talks with Feyenoord about a renewal are ongoing but have been described as difficult. A move could be on the cards in the January transfer window, after which he will also be free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs around Europe.
A media blackout is something Van Persie knows all about from his own career. He avoided talking to the media about his move from Arsenal to Manchester United back in 2012. That was despite being very public about his reasons for wanting to leave Arsenal before that.
Robin van Persie sharing experience
Robin van Persie
GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 28 2025: Head Coach Robin van Persie of Feyenoord talking to the press
Now the former Manchester United striker is using that experience to teach Timber. And it led to his current player’s return to the spotlight on Wednesday.
“I went through something similar,” he said.
“During that tournament, I chose not to talk to the media. I thought I had plenty of reasons to do so at the time, but in retrospect, it simply wasn’t the right choice.
“As a player for the Dutch national team and Feyenoord, you simply have to speak to the media. You talk to the media, but you’re actually talking to the supporters.
“I learned from it. A perception was created that I didn’t think was realistic. That’s why I asked him if we could do the press conference together.”