Clarence Seedorf has remarkably asked to be withdrawn from the Netherlands squad which will take part in this summer’s European Championships in Switzerland and Austria.
In a statement, Seedorf said: “It is a decision that comes after serious consideration and months of reflection.Since my return to the national team, the right conditions have not been created to let me perform at my best and to effectively excel as the team member I always strive to be.”
But coach, Marco Van Basten, will still be very disappointed that such an experienced and quality player has decided to turn his back on the nation ahead of such a big tournament.
He said, “I did not expect this at all.” “I told Clarence I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as a football player, but his mind was already made up.”
Although the Dutch squad will still contain the exciting, young talent of attacking gems Ryan Babel and Robin Van Persie, and the Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt, Seedorf’s loss will still be heavily felt, especially considering his previous experience in such competitions. He is a talismanic figure who could have guided the first team to glorious success, but it is not to be.
Van Basten, however, will still remain hugely confident of this outcome without Seedorf’s presence.
