Van der Sar turns down Dutch request to return
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has declined an offer from Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk to make a comeback for the national team.
"Although I knew what his answer would be, I called Edwin to ask him," Van Marwijk was quoted as saying in the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.
"I think that was normal seeing the circumstances (surrounding) our goalkeepers. But Edwin told me last year that for him the Dutch team was a closed book. I knew his answer, but just gave it a try."
Van der Sar, 38, who won a record 130 caps, announced his international retirement after the Euro 2008 finals last year but made a brief comeback for the World Cup qualifiers against Iceland and Norway in October.
He set an English league record this season by going 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal, keeping a clean sheet in 14 successive league matches he played in.
The Dutch goalkeeping crisis arose after first choice Maarten Stekelenburg became second choice at Ajax Amsterdam, while Henk Timmer and Michel Vorm are struggling with injuries.
Van Marwijk will announce his squad on Friday for the Group Nine qualifiers against Scotland on 28 March and Macedonia on 1 April, both in Amsterdam.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments