Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie has expressed deep anguish after his 19-year-old son, Shaqueel van Persie, sustained a serious injury during the club’s 2–1 defeat to Real Betis in a Europa League encounter on Thursday.
Shaqueel, who was introduced in the 73rd minute, made an immediate impact by providing the assist for Casper Tengstedt’s equaliser. However, his promising cameo ended abruptly about 10 minutes later when he landed awkwardly following a challenge, clutching his knee in visible distress before being stretchered off the pitch.
Speaking after the match, Van Persie admitted the incident was particularly difficult for him to process, as he found himself torn between his responsibilities as a coach and his emotions as a father.
“It’s not looking good. Tests still have to determine the full extent of it, but the first signs are not positive,” Van Persie told Ziggo Sport.
“You hold your heart every time a player goes down injured. Today it happened to be Shaqueel. You always hope for the best, but when you hear that the early indications aren’t good, it’s heartbreaking,” he added.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker said the moment transcended football for him.
“I’m a coach, but I’m also his father, and I find this terrible. It’s heartbreaking that he’s going through this,” Van Persie said.
Medical assessments are expected to determine the full severity of the injury, with Feyenoord yet to issue an official update on Shaqueel’s condition.