Van Parsnip pushed to the veg

• zocoss

  11 Mar 09, 12:10

  

  RED BLOODED ... but Van Persie's off the steaks

   

  ROBIN VAN PERSIE has scrubbed steak off the menu — because he thinks too much meat will affect his muscles. The Arsenal striker swears by fish, pasta and veggies instead and has even convinced Arsenal team-mate Kolo Toure to join him. 

  Van Persie revealed: “Someone told me too much meat has a negative influence on muscles. “I was a big meat eater and had steak three times a week. 

  “Now I only eat meat once in the week and never a day before the match. “I spoke about it with Kolo as he also had meat every day. “He stopped immediately and since then he hasn’t had any muscle problems.”

  Ruined

  Van Persie has played 34 games this season and will spearhead the Gunners attack in their Champions League last-16 second leg at Roma tonight. But the Dutchman’s recent campaigns have been ruined by injury. 

  Van Persie added: “I’m always learning more about my body. “Many people underestimate how important diet is. Now I have fish and pasta. 

  “This is a small thing that can improve my game. “Because of the injuries I’ve had, everything helps. “I’m learning and listening to my body.” 

   

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  SUN DOCTOR Carol Cooper says: “Meat have a negative influence on the muscles? What a load of rubbish! 

  “Elite sportsmen need meat. They need protein for muscle strength.”