I deserve Netherlands recall - De Jong

Posted Wednesday, October 09, 2013 by Goal.com

The AC Milan midfielder says Louis van Gaal is right to call him back into the Oranje squad after a 12-month absence following his efforts to return to full fitness

Nigel de Jong believes he fully deserves his recall into the Netherlands squad after a year-long exile.

The 28-year-old midfield powerhouse nas not featured for the national side since November 2012, but has been called up to the Oranje squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Turkey.

De Jong has been summoned alongside Paris Saint-Germain defender Gregory van der Wiel, who also returns following a lengthy spell away from the set-up, and the AC Milan man is adamant he has earned the chance to represent his country again.

"I've had to get my form and fitness back and now I have I think I deserve my place in the squad," De Jong told De Telegraaf

"At the start of qualification it was normal I was included, but I suffered a bad Achilles tendon injury and others have taken my place.

"We have a lot of talented players, especially in the Eredivisie, but I am glad to be back and will make the most of my opportunity."