Robin van Persie has allayed fears that his left eye may be permanently damaged after he was stretchered off the pitch while playing for Fenerbahce on Sunday.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker was substituted in the 37th minute of a 3-1 Super Lig win over Akhisar Belediyespor with a torn eyelid.

Van Persie, who opened the scoring for the Istanbul club, suffered the blow in a challenge with Abdulwahid Sissoko.

Television images subsequently appeared to show blood soaking through a bandage which had been placed on the affected eye.

The Netherlands international has now reassured supporters that the injury is not as serious as some feared in a post on Instagram.

“I would like to thank you all for your prayers and well wishes after my injury from last nights [sic] game,” Van Persie wrote. “Also a big thank you to all the medical staff who looked after me.



“I have a little tear in my eyelid and after tests in the hospital this morning I can say that my eye itself is undamaged, so all good! These things happen in football.

“Nevertheless I am very happy with the team result and win. Now focusing on the next game, the derby. Haydi Fener.”