Georginio Wijnaldum is happy that he was able to make his return to the selection of the Dutch national team. The ninety-time international played his last international matches last summer during the Nations League Finals that were disappointing for the Dutch team.

Wijnaldum made the eventful move to the Middle East last summer for almost ten million euros. The transfer of the 33-year-old playmaker raised eyebrows, because according to a UN report, human rights are repeatedly violated in that country.

The midfielder also fell out of the picture with national coach Ronald Koeman, who ignored him for three consecutive international matches. “I understood that he passed me by in September and October,” quotes The Telegraph from Wijnaldum's mouth during the Dutch media day.

“In September I hardly had any matches in my legs and in October I was not yet fit enough for the level of the Dutch team. But in November I was in great shape and I expected an invitation from the national coach.”

Wijnaldum saw other international players who play in Saudi Arabia, such as Marcelo Brozovic (Croatia), Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), being selected for their country's European Championship qualifiers in those months.

Koeman called Wijnaldum during that period to give him an explanation. “I told him I was very disappointed that he passed me. Later he came to watch with Nigel de Jong (director of top football at the KNVB, ed.) and he was able to see with his own eyes how I am doing and what the level of the competition is.”

All in all, Wijnaldum is happy with his return to Koeman's selection. “I hope to be able to present myself at the Dutch team as always and that I can eventually play in the selection for the European Championship.”

Koeman has already announced that he wants to see Wijnaldum at work this international match. A practice match against Scotland is scheduled for Friday, and a practice match against Germany on Tuesday.

More sports news