Feyenoord lost 2-1 to Inter and saw their fairytale Champions League season come to an end. The Rotterdam side had a big task at hand after last week's 2-0 defeat in Rotterdam and put up a good fight, according to Van Persie.
"My boys gave their all, they kept going, but Inter are just a very good team," Van Persie told Dutch television after the match. "They put up a valiant effort."
Feyenoord quickly conceded their first goal when Marcus Thuram flashed past a couple of Feyenoord defenders and beat Timon Wellenreuther with a powerful effort after just eight minutes. Van Persie admitted this quick goal hurt his side's chances: "That was unfortunate."
Feyenoord equalised shortly before the break when Jakub Moder got fouled and converted the following penalty himself, but Van Persie and his men couldn't hang on much longer after Inter got back in front with a slightly controversial 51st-minute penalty.
"After the 1-1 I had the idea: we're going for it again. During the break, we made some small adjustments and then it is annoying that you get another goal after half-time. I thought the penalty was given very easily."
The legendary Dutch striker still had admiration for Tuesday's opponents. "I have to say: how Inter throw themselves in front of every ball, with their heart and soul, I can enjoy that too."
'Immediately called my mother'
Van Persie handed 18-year-old winger Aymen Sliti his professional debut in Milan. The youngster started and filled in for the injured winger Igor Paixao. "When I heard I would be in the starting line-up, I immediately called my mother," said Sliti.
"The manager told me to just do what I always do and play freely. It took some getting used to, though. Inter played very defensively, making it difficult to make my moves.