Ruud van Nistelrooy disappointed at Dutch snub
Ruud van Nistelrooy disappointed(credit:
Davic)
Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted his despair at missing out on a place at the World Cup.
The 33-year-old had been hoping to resurrect his international career when he left Real Madrid for Hamburg.
But Holland coach Bert van Marwijk felt the striker needed more time to get back to his best and opted to leave van Nistelrooy out of his provisional World Cup squad.
The former Manchester United star told NOS: “I already knew that the chance I’d make it to the Dutch squad would be relatively small during conversations I had with van Marwijk in the past couple of weeks.
“Personally, I thought there were a few good reasons to expect an invitation. My form has improved, as well as my shape. I finished the season at Hamburg quite well and I was willing to prepare well for the World Cup.
“I was really hoping to make the cut. However, the head coach has other thoughts, unfortunately. I can say or shout whatever I want, but van Marwijk is the one who makes the decision.
“He has to believe that I can add something to the team and this is not the case. My performances over the last months were above expectations, but unfortunately the World Cup starts too early for me.”