PSV Eindhoven manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy says legendary Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson was 'true inspiration' to him. Van Nistelrooy served under Robson during the early stages of his career at PSV Eindhoven, and scored 41 goals in 46 appearances during his reign at the club.
Robson had two spells in Eindhoven - winning two Eredivisie titles in 1991 and 1992 respectively during his first, and the Johan Cruyff Shield in his second in 1998.
His second stint lasted just one-year, and he soon returned to England where he embarked on a famous five-year spell at St James' Park.
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Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy went onto enjoy an accomplished career with Manchester United, Real Madrid and the Netherlands national team. But Van Nistelrooy still has fond memories of his time with Robson, and opened up on the influence he had on him on The Overlap.
"Sir Bobby was my manager at PSV and he would say, 'sometimes you cannot explain football'. [I was influenced by Sir Bobby] a lot. I always get a smile when I talk about him.
"He was really special, as a person as well towards you as a player. He could give you this advice and confidence. I was a young player here [at PSV] and his enthusiasm, his love for the game, his passion, dealing with disappointment, his team talks and his sense of humour.
"Sometimes after a game when you got battered 4-1 against a bad team, and he just made you laugh, and motivated you at the same time. His spirit is just amazing to play for. He was just a true inspiration and a great man above all."
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