Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has recalled the time he was slapped by Louis van Gaal at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Van Persie worked under Van Gaal at club and international level, with Van Gaal going on to replace David Moyes at Manchester United after the tournament in South America.

The pair had a rollercoaster relationship, which dipped when Van Persie was told his career at United was over, but the pair have since repaired their relationship.

Van Persie has now revealed about a remarkable incident that occurred during the 2014 World Cup, recounting the incident in a new book. 'LVG – The Manager and the Total Person'.

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Recalling the last-eight clash with Costa Rica in Sao Salvador, Van Persie said: “The game went into extra-time and I got cramp. Louis shouted 'I am taking you off.'

“I turned around and shouted 'no, no, we have penalties soon' but the last 20 minutes were physically really hard for me. He could see that - and steam was coming out of his ears.

“When the match was finished and we gathered near the touchline, he got close to me and suddenly hit me. Bang! With a big flat hand he dealt me a blow and said in an angry way 'don't ever do that to me again.'

“I looked at him absolutely stunned. Louis said 'just get on with it and make sure you get it in the net from the spot.' I am glad I managed to put the penalty in the corner.

"When I look back on that incident, it was a weird moment, but that was Louis for you. Sometimes he can hug a player - and sometimes he can hit you.”