Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has said he is unhappy at his new club Fenerbahce after being dropped from the starting XI.

The Dutch striker was quick to criticise coach Vitor Pereira for starting him on the bench against Bursaspor at the weekend, although he scored the game's winning goal after coming on as a substitute 13 minutes from time. Van Persie told Lig TV: “To be honest, I am not very happy at this moment." 

"I was not happy that I started on the bench. I am fully fit, physically very well and able to play for 90 minutes. “The only right answer I could give was with what I did: helping the team to get the victory.”

The Dutchman has only played the full 90 minutes for his new club once this season, and his winner in Sunday's 2-1 win was only his second of the campaign. But with Fenerbahce taking 13 points from a possible 15 so far this season, coach Pereira does not regret leaving his star striker out.

He said: “I would play more players if we were allowed to play 22 or 25 players. The players can like or not like what I do, but I must take decisions. I am happy with Van Persie’s performance after being brought on to the pitch. “It would be bad if he wasn’t unhappy about being a substitute. This proves that he wants to play.”

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