The Daily Mirror reports Van Persie cited his taking the the lead in determining his treatment schedule as reasons for his good health.
"In 2011, I was involved in every Premier League game," Van Persie said. "I didn't miss one. There has been a turnaround in my career. I have got to know my body a lot better and I decided to make more of my own choices when it comes to treatment."
The free-scoring striker did not indicate what those choices were in the interview. But his words suggest he took less guidance from Arsenal and its medical staff in managing his health and fitness than he may have in years past.
Van Persie has been a key figure since joining Arsenal in 2004 from Dutch club Feyenoord Rotterdam, but has seen nearly every season interrupted by various injuries. Since suffering an ankle injury in August 2010 that kept him out for nearly eight weeks, the 28-year-old has remained healthy for the longest stretch of his Arsenal career.
Van Persie scored the winner in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers to bring 2011 to a close. His final tally in 2011 reads: 23 goals in 26 games for club and country in the 2010-11 season. He then added 25 in 32 in 2011-12.
Who knows what 2012 has in store for the Dutch master? But if it is anything like 2011, Gunners fans will sing their hero's name again and again.
Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O'Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
