Eric Persie (12 June 1986 in Grijzestad) is a Brunanter footballer playing for Grijzestad Strijders as a midfielder.
He is the great-great-grandson of former Grijzestad Strijders manager and player Alexandre Gallen. Alexandre's father is former Mayor of Grijzestad Louis Gallen.
Biography[]
Persie was born in Grijzestad and joined Grunbeck AFC of the Hogeberg-Liga in 1999. In 2005 he was transfered to Grijzestad for €50,000. Persie played with reserve side FC Grijzestad B for one season before being promoted to the first team. He made his first start for the 2006-07 season.
Persie was an important player for the club as they won that year's cup. The next season was arguably his best, turning into a "midfield maestro" known for directing matches. In the summer of 2008, Persie was signed by Tottenham Hotspur in England for €3.1 million and started off the season well, but an injury in September forced him to miss much of the season. His return saw poor form, after which he was kep as a substitute. His form failed to improve in the 2009-10 season, and was loaned in January to Ipswich Town. He was released at the end of the season to rejoin Grijzestad.
After a lackluster 2010-11 season, Persie improved to return to the starting team, though a recent drop in his form over the past season has seen him play more as a substitute.