|
|
Malaga striker Ruud van Nistelrooy: I'm still available for international selection
The former Manchester United man has revealed he is open to a return to the Netherlands team and also spoke of his surprise at winning an award recently
17 Dec 2011 16:37:00
By Luke Matthews
Ruud van Nistelrooy - Malaga
Malaga striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has confirmed that he is available for international selection if Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk is looking to add some experience to the Dutch forward line for next summer's European Championships.
The former Real Madrid man's last appearance for the national side was in the 5-3 victory over Hungary in Euro 2012 qualification, a game in which the 35-year-old found the back of the net.
With fellow Dutch striker Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in superb form this season, Van Nistelrooy may not be required, but the player himself has stated he would not turn down a recall to the squad.
"I scored a goal [in my last international appearance] and I'm still eligible for the European Championships. I will do everything I can and at least I've made myself available," the forward told Radio 538.
Van Nistelrooy has recently been awarded the title of the most prolific striker in international and European games for the last decade (2001-2010) by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
The striker's 86 goals in the last 10 years earned him the award, and he spoke of his delight after narrowly pipping Thierry Henry.
"I was completely surprised to have won. I know the organisation but I did not know about the decade award," he added.
Van Nistelrooy will be hoping to be included in Malaga's starting line-up for their crunch La Liga encounter against Valencia on Sunday evening.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The former Real Madrid man's last appearance for the national side was in the 5-3 victory over Hungary in Euro 2012 qualification, a game in which the 35-year-old found the back of the net.
With fellow Dutch striker Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in superb form this season, Van Nistelrooy may not be required, but the player himself has stated he would not turn down a recall to the squad.
"I scored a goal [in my last international appearance] and I'm still eligible for the European Championships. I will do everything I can and at least I've made myself available," the forward told Radio 538.
Van Nistelrooy has recently been awarded the title of the most prolific striker in international and European games for the last decade (2001-2010) by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
The striker's 86 goals in the last 10 years earned him the award, and he spoke of his delight after narrowly pipping Thierry Henry.
"I was completely surprised to have won. I know the organisation but I did not know about the decade award," he added.
Van Nistelrooy will be hoping to be included in Malaga's starting line-up for their crunch La Liga encounter against Valencia on Sunday evening.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
14:09 BST -
One of my favourite parts of tournaments like these is seeing someone come out of nowhere to make an impact on the international scene. Juventus' Emanuele Giaccherini is hoping to be one of those having been a surprise, uncapped inclusion in the Italy squad - and good luck to him!
Inside Goal.Com
-
Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson
The Manchester United man's absence from the Three Lions squad continues to dominate debate after the Chelsea defender is ruled out and Liverpool youngster called up in his place
-
Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill
The Three Lions can count themselves fortunate not to be clouded by Italy's off-the-field problems, while Eden Hazard fails to live up to his own billing at Wembley
-
Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament
The absence of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and shows just how much club commitments take their toll on the national team as Euro 2012 looms
-
Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Arsenal starlet has proved himself capable on the big stage and effective in a number of positions for his club, but how much will he be trusted at the Euros?
-
The Premier League targets in Euro 2012 Group A
With the transfer rumour mill set to kick into a frenzy throughout this month's European Championships, Goal.com looks at which players could be heading for England this summer
