Football
ESPN staff 8y

Robin van Persie: I won't quit Netherlands after Euro 2016 failure

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie says he will not give up on his international career, despite missing out on a place at Euro 2016.

Van Persie, 32, came on shortly before half-time and scored an own goal as the Dutch fell to a 3-2 defeat to 10-man Czech Republic in Amsterdam on Tuesday, in a game they had to win to get through.

The Fenerbahce striker is not happy with his side's dismal qualification campaign, but claims that he will remain available to help coach Danny Blind turn things around.

"I'm not one to walk away from difficult challenges, so I won't this time around," he told De Telegraaf. "We'll have to stomach this for the coming year. We are all going to have to deal with it: players, fans, media, everyone.

"A lot has happened, I'll be reflecting on it over the next months. But, as I see it now, I'll remain available for national duty. I still find it a great honour to play for the national side. In good times but also in bad ones.

"I'm not one to walk away from his responsibilities in difficult times. Quitting is not an option. Of course it all depends on whether I'll be selected or not."

Blind, who took over from Guus Hiddink in July, replaced him as captain with Arjen Robben shortly after he was appointed, but Van Persie added: "He must certainly continue. Danny is simply a top coach who has to continue."

^ Back to Top ^