Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 7:14 PM• Mart Oude Nijeweeme

Maarten Stekelenburg decided on Friday during the announcement of the pre-selection of the Dutch national team to stop as an the Dutch international. The 63-time international, 38 years old, was still the first goalkeeper of the Dutch during the European Championship. When the first selection team under the new national coach Louis van Gaal was unveiled, it became clear 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. Stekelenburg responds on Monday Ajax TV extensive on his choice.

The news that Stekelenburg is no longer available as goalkeeper for the Dutch was announced at the same time as Van Gaal’s pre-selection. “I decided during the holidays”, Stekelenburg begins. “I discussed it with my wife and people who are close to me, but I already had a feeling about it. After the European Championship I made the decision. I think I have had a great career with the Dutch national team. I got to experience five tournaments, ended up with the Dutch national team for seventeen years and I thought it was a nice conclusion after 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. “The World Cup is in December 2022,” Stekelenburg continues. “I’ve got a contract here for another year and you don’t know how things are going.” Stekelenburg’s place at the Dutch is filled by his teammate, Pasveer. “It all came together a bit, that I thanked and he joined. Jay is also with Jong Oranje, so in terms of keepers I think it is good at Ajax. Overmars has not been sitting still this summer.”

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. “The highlight will always be 2010”, says Stekelenburg. “Most people are quick to talk about that rescue, that’s right. Of course I look back on that with a good feeling. But I am proud of the entire tournament. There are not many players in the Netherlands who can say that they have reached a World Cup final.” I am reminded of that save against Brazil to this day, but that has more to do with the fact that we managed to turn that game around. I wouldn’t say the most beautiful save, but one of the most important.”