Koeman won't rule out Van Persie Netherlands return

Joe Wright

Koeman won't rule out Van Persie Netherlands return image

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman says Robin van Persie could still earn a recall to the squad if he can sustain his fitness.

The 34-year-old, who has scored a record 50 goals in 102 appearances for his country, has not played for Oranje since the 4-0 defeat to France in World Cup qualifying last August.

But Koeman has not ruled out bringing the striker back into the international fold, with Van Persie having scored four times for Feyenoord since his return to the club in January

"He has not said he will stop, but he will first have to be completely fit," Koeman, who watched Van Persie score twice in his side's 4-3 Eredivisie win over PEC Zwolle on Sunday, told a news conference. 

"He once again showed his class on Sunday, and I do not say no in advance."

Netherlands are in need of a new captain for this month's friendly matches with England and Portugal, with former skipper Arjen Robben having retired from international duty last November.

With Van Persie not in the picture and record caps-holder Wesley Sneijder having also retired, Koeman suggested Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk could be given the armband.

"I'm going to decide that," he said. "I'm not into voting, so I'm going to decide.

"I don't think it must necessarily be a new leader. It must be someone who has dominance in the group and plays in a certain position. Virgil van Dijk is a possibility as a captain."

Joe Wright

Joe Wright Photo

Joe is a Senior Editor at Sporting News. He was previously a sub editor and writer for Goal.com before spending six years as part of the Stats Perform editorial news service, covering major global sports including football, tennis, boxing, NBA, rugby union and athletics. Joe has reported live on some of the biggest games in football, including two UEFA Champions League finals, Euro 2016, the Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 World Cup final at the end of a month in Russia.