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'I'm not crying, you are...'

Heartwarming moment Robin van Persie hugs and high-fives every mascot before Feyenoord game

Arsenal and Manchester United hero shows class before hanging up his boots at the end of the season

ARSENAL and Manchester United legend Robin van Persie melted hearts with his pre-match routine ahead of an Eredivisie clash against Groningen.

Before kick-off, the Feyenoord striker was seen giving high-fives and hugs to mascots as both teams were about to emerge from the tunnel.

 Robin van Persie showed class with a moving gesture to mascots ahead of an Eredivisie match
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Robin van Persie showed class with a moving gesture to mascots ahead of an Eredivisie matchCredit: Getty - Contributor

As the silver-haired 35-year-old forward is nearing his retirement, Van Persie seemingly tries to squeeze every minute out of his career - both on and off the pitch.

And ahead of Feyenoord's match against Groningen, he found time to put a broad smile on every mascot's face with a moving gesture.

Van Persie showed class and approached the children, giving them high-fives and patting them on the back before emerging from the tunnel.

A few fortunate kids even copped a hug from the Premier League legend - who scored 190 goals for Arsenal and United combined during his 11 years in the English top-tier.

 Van Persie scored 190 goals for Arsenal and Manchester United combined
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Van Persie scored 190 goals for Arsenal and Manchester United combinedCredit: Getty Images - Getty

And fans on social media went absolutely gooey.

Pete wrote: "I'm not crying, you are... brilliant from RVP."

While Chris added: "Took him about 20 seconds to do a really good (and right) thing and made memories that will last forever. So simple, but others could learn a lot from him. Well done"

And David wrote: ";Beautiful to see, respect to Van Persie."

 The Dutchman is set to retire at the end of the season, but has scored 13 goals for Feyenoord in the current campaign
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The Dutchman is set to retire at the end of the season, but has scored 13 goals for Feyenoord in the current campaignCredit: EPA

Even though Van Persie has announced he will hang up his boots at the end of this season, he still seems to have some fuel left in the tank.

The Dutchman has bagged 13 goals for his boyhood club Feyenoord this season, including a spectacular double in the 6-2 thrashing of Ajax last month.

Robin van Persie scores superb free-kick for Feyenoord against PEC Zwolle
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