Advertisement
Sneijder won 133 caps.

Dutch record caps holder Sneijder retires from international football

After a meeting with new manager Ronald Koeman, the former Ajax, Real Madrid and Inter Milan midfielder is packing it in with the Netherlands.

WESLEY SNEIJDER HAS retired from Netherlands duty, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced today.

The 33-year-old agreed to walk away from international football following a meeting with head coach Ronald Koeman.

โ€œWesley is one of the best Dutch footballers of recent years,โ€ Koeman said via the KNVBโ€™s official website.

โ€œBut I want to build a new Oranje and I have to make some decisions.โ€

Sneijder, who joined Al Gharafa in January, admits the move to Qatar was always likely to bring his international career to an end.

โ€œWhen I left for Qatar, I knew of course that this could have an impact on my career as an international,โ€ he said.

โ€œI also understand that Koeman wants to make a new start with younger players. We spoke very openly about this and it was a very pleasant conversation.

I respect his choice.โ€

Former Ajax, Real Madrid and Inter Milan star Sneijder made his senior Netherlands debut in a friendly against Portugal in April 2003.

The midfielder went on to make a record 133 appearances, breaking the previous highest tally of 130 set by retired goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

He won the Silver Ball and Bronze Boot for his performances in the 2010 World Cup, when he help them to the final, where Spain won 1-0.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Ex-Dundalk star Patrick McEleney knew very little about his debut goal for Oldham

Maguire describes stunning return as โ€˜best feeling in my football careerโ€™

Author
View 6 comments
Close
6 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Dara Kelly
    Favourite Patrick Dara Kelly
    Report
    Mar 4th 2018, 2:23 PM

    Class act imo

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Corkboi
    Favourite Corkboi
    Report
    Mar 4th 2018, 4:24 PM

    That Netherlands team in its prime in 2010, My Godโ€ฆ Van Der Saar, Van Bommel, Babel, Van Nistelrooy, Van Persie, Robbin, Van Der Vaart, Sneijder and Cocuโ€ฆ What a team. Always thought they were worth a shout for winning a World Cup.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Corkboi
    Favourite Corkboi
    Report
    Mar 4th 2018, 4:25 PM

    @Corkboi: *2006

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Harris
    Favourite Dave Harris
    Report
    Mar 4th 2018, 5:48 PM

    @Corkboi: only for they had the wrong manager, they might have

    1
    See 1 more reply โ–พ
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tomรกs Fenton
    Favourite Tomรกs Fenton
    Report
    Mar 5th 2018, 4:36 AM

    @Corkboi: did you just mention Ryan Babel in the midst of all those other legends?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kieran Fogarty
    Favourite Kieran Fogarty
    Report
    Mar 4th 2018, 7:00 PM

    Should of got 2010 player of the year imo

    3
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel