The 28-year-old put the Oranje ahead on the stroke of half-time in Saturday's friendly but two second-half goals from the Balkans saw the score overturned in the visitors' favour and inflict a surprise loss on Bert van Marwijk's side.

Nonetheless, van Persie believes Bulgaria provided Netherlands with credible competition ahead of the European Championship, and that losing now rather than at the tournament was consolation.

"It is better that this happens now rather than in two weeks," Van Persie told De Telegraaf.

"The result was bad. But the game itself was nice at times. Bulgaria is a good opponent and you can lose against them."

Although he has played most of his football for Arsenal as a central striker, van Persie was used on the wing by Bert van Marwijk to accommodate Klaas-Jan Huntelaar through the middle.

"The coach picks the team and we just need to play," he said.

"It was nice to score and indeed I did so when I emerged as a striker."

Van Persie has been heavily linked with a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium during the close season, but again he refused to shed light over his future.

"It is true that I have drunk a cup of coffee with Mr (Arsene) Wenger. But what was discussed stays between us," he said.

Netherlands begin their Euro 2012 campaign against Group B rivals Denmark on June 9.