ExtraFootie’s Rolly Pelovangu gives you the lowdown on Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie’s revealing interview during which the Dutch ace reflects on life growing up in crime-ridden Rotterdam.

The former Feyenoord ace has always been regarded as something of a rough diamond at Arsenal and perhaps his upbringing can go a long way to explaining that.

In a candid revelation, Van Persie pulled no punches as he described life as a youngster on the streets of Rotterdam.

"I came from a very rough neighbourhood in Rotterdam where there were so many cultures all mixed together," he told The News of the World.

"I was one of the only white Dutch guys there and, of course, there were distractions. Like when I was younger and was in a shop buying candy - I would pay for one but then take another one,” he revealed.

Van Persie also admitted that at 14 he found himself at ‘a crossroads in his life’ as he and his friends engaged in violence and dabbled with typical teenage temptations, namely cigarettes and alcohol.

"I could have easily gone astray,” he said.

"I saw people doing stupid things - my team-mates, my colleagues, my friends. For instance, my friends tried to make me have a drink, have a cigarette and stuff,” he added pointedly.

Van Persie was famously sent off for the first time for Arsenal during a 1–1 league draw with Southampton in 2004 when he lunged at Saints full-back Graeme Le Saux, for which he was seriously chastised by coach Arsene Wenger.

And the 26-year-old highlighted one particular incident in his childhood which caused him to really consider the consequences of his actions.

"There was one guy in my class who was a real pain in the ass. I got together with two of my friends and we gave him a real lesson.

"It felt really good at the time because he deserved it, because he was such a bad guy. The guy was a pain but he was weak while the three of us were strong. Any one of us could easily have taken him one on one.

“It was wrong and although I was just 14, it proved a big turning point for me.

I made a real change in myself so it was a key moment, an important moment,” he affirmed.

Having been forced to leave his boyhood club Feyenoord after a very public spat with then coach Bert van Marwijk, the Dutch international has blossomed under the tutelage of coach Arsene Wenger.

Indeed, Van Persie is the Gunners’ second top goalscorer this season with eight goals and the winger-turned-striker is ready to challenge for major honours for his club again.

"I desperately want to win the Premier League and the Champions League with Arsenal and I truly believe that's possible,” he affirmed.

Van Persie had his best campaign to date with the Gunners last season where he netted an impressive 20 goals in 42 appearances as well as grabbing 13 assists.

Here's a reminder of those exploits: