Manchester United striker Robin van Persie explains Rome holiday was not for Lazio talks

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie insists his recent trip to Rome was nothing more than a holiday and not to hold talks with Serie A side Lazio.

Sightings of the Netherlands international in the Italian capital recently sparked rumours of an imminent move after an uninspiring season at Old Trafford.

But with Lazio having already denied claims they are in talks with the 30-year-old, van Persie himself has sought to clarify his recent trip.

"All the rumours about Rome as a city are true, it is a beautiful place," van Persie told Voetbal International.

"I have a life away from football and I always wanted to visit Rome with my wife and this was our chance. We enjoyed it very much."

Lazio club president Claudio Lotito laughed off suggestions that the United striker was in town over the weekend to sign for the club, labelling those reports as 'rubbish' sparked by an agent spreading false rumours.

The club's technical co-ordinator Igli Tare, would later admit his admiration for the striker, but suggested his wage demands meant he was out of Lazio's reach.

After another injury-stricken season where he scored just 10 goals, van Persie's future at Old Trafford remains in doubt.

Manager Louis van Gaal would not confirm or deny whether his countryman was one of the players he would talk to about their future in May, telling reporters: "You have to wait and see. I shall not say whom I am speaking to."

The ex-Arsenal captain recently admitted he is in a "difficult situation" having yet to speak to United officials.

"Rumours are plentiful. If I believe them, then some 35 new strikers will arrive [at United]. But I still have no news. It is a separate, difficult situation. A new situation is a better word. I have to think, in a realist way. This is a decision that I have to make."