Robin van Persie 'won't be part of a puppet show' at Manchester United

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie says he is unperturbed by his fragile contract situation at the club and has indicated he would be happy to run down his deal at Old Trafford.

The Netherlands international is approaching the final 12 months of his deal at the club, with a contract extension yet to be discussed.

Though Van Persie made 25 Premier League starts last season, a return of 10 goals, his lowest tally for five campaigns, represents a downturn in his form since moving to United from Arsenal in 2012.

Van Persie will turn 32 before the start of the 2015-16 season and reports have suggested that Italian pair Juventus and Lazio are interested in recruiting the player for the twilight of his career.

The ex-Feyenoord hitman has not dismissed one day leaving United, and says he is unconcerned by having just over 12 months remaining on his contract.

"Am I worried?" said Van Persie. "No, I'm totally relaxed. I have a contract with this club until 2016.

"Things could change now, but that all depends on Manchester United not me. Believe me, I'm relaxed – I'm not going to be part of a puppet show.

"In August I'm 32. But I still have the ambition to play for another eight years.

"In a few years' time I may have to accept that I will no longer play at the very highest level. I don't think that moment is coming now. I still feel very, very fit.

"Playing in the first-team is very important for me. This is why I will probably step down one level when I am 36 or 37. But not now.

"Whenever I have been fit at United I was playing in the first team all the time. People talk about my injuries, but I've only had one [last] season.

"I've seen too many players quit early. Most of them regret this soon after. I've seen those players in the national team and at my own clubs. Even big legends have regretted their retirement. Look at Paul Scholes.

"He did quit the game but he kept training and was missing football so much, because he knew he was still capable of playing at that level."