The Hamburg striker, who was plagued by injuries during his last couple of years at Real Madrid, is in top form. Ruud van Nistelrooy has already netted six goals for Hamburg this season in only three matches.
Now on Friday, the Dutch legend will finally get the chance to honor the colors of his country once again. Nistelrooy wanted to join the Oranje for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but he was snubbed by Coach Bert van Marwijk as the Netherlands earned silver medals. Ruud tackled this issue as he stated:
“I still feel that I could have been important for the team at the World Cup. I’ve got to admit that I wasn’t 100 per cent fit yet, though. But I’m in a much better shape now.”
As some believe that one’s misfortune is the happiness of another, Robin van Persie had to withdraw from the Netherlands’ roster for the Euro 2012 qualifying match against San Marino through injury. Based on this circumstance, it is believed that Coach Bert van Marwijk therefore opted to call upon Ruud van Nistelrooy as a replacement for the injured Robin. In a press conference ahead of Friday’s game against San Marino, the goal poacher declared:
“I respect Van Marwijk’s decision, and I’m very glad that he has given me a call-up again now. I never expected to make a comeback. But, I’m delighted to be back!”
It is not clear if Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to the Netherlands national team is a permanent one or not. Either way, all Nistelrooy wants to do for now is to keep wishing for the best as he explained to the media:
“Of course, it’s a possibility that the coach will drop me again after the Euro 2012 qualifying matches against San Marino and Finland. Nevertheless, I will do my utmost to show everyone that I still add something to the team.
“Hopefully, I can keep up my good form until Euro 2012 [should Netherlands qualify]. I know that I will be 36 years of age by then. But, you never know what will happen. Look at Andre Ooijer, who played in the quarter-finals of the World Cup at the age of 35. I just want to show what I can do for now.”
Visit the San Marino vs Netherlands Live Streaming and TV Schedule page for further details. This match is scheduled to kick off at 2:45pm EST on Friday, September 3.
