Maarten Stekelenburg puts an end to his international career. The 63-time international, 38 years old, was still the first goalkeeper of the Dutch during the European Championship. However, when the first pre-selection under the new national coach Louis van Gaal was revealed, it was announced that the Ajax player will only continue as a club football player. Van Gaal called on Justin Bijlow, Joël Drommel, Tim Krul and Remko Pasveer as keepers.
In March, Stekelenburg, together with Jeremiah St. Juste, was the most striking name in the selection of then national coach Frank de Boer. The goalkeeper returned after four and a half years as an international, having played his last game in November 2016 against Luxembourg. Stekelenburg’s return came as somewhat of a surprise, as he was the second goalkeeper behind André Onana for a long time at Ajax. Since Onana’s doping suspension, Stekelenburg has been Ajax’s first choice.
Maarten Stekelenburg has decided to end his international career. Thanks for everything, Maarten! ???? pic.twitter.com/xo8Zvij5tB
— OurOrange (@OnsOrange) August 13, 2021
Stekelenburg made a sovereign impression at Ajax last season and was the first goalkeeper at the European Championship under De Boer. With that he kept Tim Krul and Marco Bizot behind him. Jasper Cillessen was left at home by De Boer just before the final round due to a positive corona test. After Stekelenburg had to watch from the bench in the friendly match against Scotland, he gained confidence in the five subsequent international matches. Stekelenburg thus became the oldest participant in the European Championship.
The Ajax goalkeeper made his debut in the Dutch national team under Marco van Basten in September 2004. He started as second choice behind Edwin van der Sar. When Van der Sar decided to stop as goalkeeper of the Dutch national team after the European Championship in 2008, Stekelenburg became the first goalkeeper. During the 2010 World Cup, Stekelenburg demanded a leading role for himself, including a world save on a shot by Kaká against Brazil. The the Dutch would finish second behind Spain that year.
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