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Netherlands & Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong refuses to criticise Howard Webb for red card admission
Star also vows not to tame approach...
2 Sep 2010 16:50:00
By Matt Monaghan
Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong has refused to criticise World Cup 2010 final referee Howard Webb after he admitted he should have sent him off.
The Manchester City star only received a caution from a thunderous 'karate kick' on Spain's Xabi Alonso in the 1-0 defeat. Recently, the Rotherham-born official revealed he regretted not giving the 25-year-old his marching orders.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, De Jong respected the official's declaration and revealed he holds no grudge.
"It is his right to think that, but for me what happened in the finals is now no longer relevant," the ex-Hamburg player said.
"Of course I have an opinion on that, but that does not matter anymore. For me the final is a closed book.
"I'm not vindictive, nor seek revenge. When Webb blows the whistle, I will go to him to shake a hand.
"The World Cup final was not only seen in the Netherlands, but throughout the world. Everyone now knows who Nigel de Jong is.
"In England, I expect no problems, because all the referees know me.
"It would be possible that international referees will look more for me. "
De Jong's reputation as a midfield battler is hard won. Despite receiving seven yellow cards in the Premier League last season, he has refused to rein in his combative style.
He said: "Everyone knows my game. I'm a player who is searching for the border and sometimes I cross it.
"It is very difficult for my game to change.
"In the midfield you are often in 'fifty-fifty situations. If you withdraw your leg, you end up as someone who is injured.
"So I never withdraw my legs or make changes to my game. I'm not a player who deliberately injures someone or intentionally kicks someone's leg, but the winning mentality belongs to me.
"I need to make sure I boss the midfield. I also last received a red card for Hamburg four or five years ago, so I know very well how far I can go."
The Manchester City star only received a caution from a thunderous 'karate kick' on Spain's Xabi Alonso in the 1-0 defeat. Recently, the Rotherham-born official revealed he regretted not giving the 25-year-old his marching orders.
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Speaking to De Telegraaf, De Jong respected the official's declaration and revealed he holds no grudge.
"It is his right to think that, but for me what happened in the finals is now no longer relevant," the ex-Hamburg player said.
"Of course I have an opinion on that, but that does not matter anymore. For me the final is a closed book.
"I'm not vindictive, nor seek revenge. When Webb blows the whistle, I will go to him to shake a hand.
"The World Cup final was not only seen in the Netherlands, but throughout the world. Everyone now knows who Nigel de Jong is.
"In England, I expect no problems, because all the referees know me.
"It would be possible that international referees will look more for me. "
De Jong's reputation as a midfield battler is hard won. Despite receiving seven yellow cards in the Premier League last season, he has refused to rein in his combative style.
He said: "Everyone knows my game. I'm a player who is searching for the border and sometimes I cross it.
"It is very difficult for my game to change.
"In the midfield you are often in 'fifty-fifty situations. If you withdraw your leg, you end up as someone who is injured.
"So I never withdraw my legs or make changes to my game. I'm not a player who deliberately injures someone or intentionally kicks someone's leg, but the winning mentality belongs to me.
"I need to make sure I boss the midfield. I also last received a red card for Hamburg four or five years ago, so I know very well how far I can go."
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