Michael Reiziger has responded in a statement on Instagram to the saga surrounding the appointment of Xavi as head coach of the Netherlands, a role for which the Jong Oranje manager was also under consideration.
"After everything that has been said and written in recent times, I want to respond briefly to draw a line under it. In the interest of the process, I chose not to say anything about it in recent times, but of course what has come out has not been pleasant," Reiziger says in response to criticism from the media and the fans.
"Certainly not because it is always people who do not know me at all and do not know how I have worked at my clubs and now at the KNVB. It is true that I was a candidate for the position of head coach and of course I was interested in it because I strive for the highest possible level, just as I did in my career as a player," he continues.
"It is just that when you enter a process like that, you know that another candidate can also be chosen. That has happened and I naturally respect that. It is nice that it has become a former team-mate of mine with whom I shared the dressing room for seven years."
"We will of course work together regularly and I wish Xavi every success. First and foremost, I am now focusing on Jong Oranje and will get to work with full energy towards the important matches that are coming up," Reiziger concludes.
Missing out on the Netherlands job now does not mean Reiziger will never be considered for the role again. Technical director Nigel de Jong said on Sunday that the former right-back can certainly become head coach in the future.