Ruud van Nistelrooy focused on international comeback
Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has said he is ready to prove his worth for the national team in his country's European championship qualifying matches.
Van Nistelrooy retired from international football after the last European championships in 2008, but has been recalled by coach Bert van Marwijk this week after Robin van Persie was left out of the squad with an ankle injury.
Unexpected Dutch comeback
Speaking ahead of the Dutch team's trip to Finland on Friday, van Nistelrooy admitted to feeling disappointed when he was left out of this year's World Cup. The striker made himself available to van Marwijk during the qualifying campaign, but was never called up.
"I still feel that I could have been important for the team at the World Cup. I have to admit that I wasn't 100 per cent yet though and that I'm in much better shape now," he said at a press conference. "I respect Van Marwijk's decision and I'm very glad that he has given me a call-up again now. I never expected to make a comeback, but I'm delighted to be back."
Prior to leaving the national team in 2008, van Nistelrooy enjoyed a successful national team career, scoring an impressive 33 goals in 64 appearances.
Eyeing longevity
Van Nisetelrooy left Real Madrid for Bundesliga club Hamburg in January this year, after falling out of the pecking order with the Madrid team. Even as he approaches the end of his career, van Nistelrooy is hoping to remain active at the highest level until 2012.
"Hopefully, I can keep up my good form until Euro 2012. I know that I'll be 36 years old by then, but you never know what will happen. Look at Andre Ooijer, who played in the quarter-finals of the World Cup at the age of 35. I just want to show what I can do for now."
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