Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has been left surprised by the withdrawal of midfielder Clarence Seedorf from the Dutch squad for next month's European Championships.
The 32-year-old AC Milan midfielder phoned Van Basten late Monday to ask to be withdrawn from the Netherlands squad.
"I did not expect this at all," Van Basten was quoted as saying by Dutch media Tuesday.
"I told Clarence I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as a football player, but his mind was already made up." Seedorf said he had taken the decision after months of reflection.
"Since my return to the national team, the right conditions have not been created to let me perform at my best and to effectively excel as the team member I always strive to be," he said.
Seedorf, capped 87 times, played 10 matches under Van Basten, but had to wait until a friendly game against England in November 2006 for his first appearance under the former international striker, who replaced Dick Advocaat following the 2004 European Championships.
The veteran international has not retired from the international game, indicating he would be prepared to play under Bert van Marwijk who succeeds Van Basten after Euro 2008.
"I still hope that in the future I can once again proudly wear the Orange jersey, especially as the Dutch team prepares for what I hope will be a very successful campaign for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa," he said.
Sapa-dp
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