No Euro place for Van Nistelrooy

Posted Saturday, April 07, 2012 by ESPN

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has confirmed that he will not be selecting Malaga's Ruud van Nistelrooy for the upcoming European Championships.

Van Nistelrooy has not managed to achieve a regular first team place ever since his move to La Liga club Malaga this season. With his contract set to expire and the club yet to offer him an extension, it is believed retirement is on the cards for the Dutchman.

As such, it comes as no surprise that van Marwijk has decided to omit Van Nistelrooy from the Dutch squad that will challenge for Euro 2012.

"I wanted to inform Ruud at an early stage, you cannot tell a player of his stature something like this in May. We had a clear agreement that he was still a candidate for the Euro 2012 squad until I contacted him to tell him the bad news." the manager shared.

"I called him to inform him that he will not be travelling to Poland and Ukraine."

The former Manchester United striker has 70 caps to his name, netting a total of 35 goals in Dutch colours. While disappointed he will not be adding to his tally this summer, Van Nistelrooy admitted that he is not surprised by van Marwijk's decision.

"The coach has explained it pretty well, I understood his decision when he told me that it was over. I already expected it. I am not always a starter at Malaga, so you know Oranje is going to be a difficult story." the striker said.

"Van Marwijk treated me very well. He has always been very clear. He knew that I had not given up on Oranje yet, so it's a good thing that he got in touch with tell me it is all over."