Netherlands national team manager Daley Blind has denied rumours that Fenerbahçe striker Robin van Persie will be retiring from international football after the final Euro 2016 Group A qualifier against Czech Republic tomorrow.
Blind was quoted by the Guardian as saying: “That is absolute nonsense, we had agreed that I would get him on if we needed a goal, but I also thought it was only logical to give him his 100th cap because the game was already decided. I had to wait for my third substitution for a bit, though. I talked about that with Robin and he understood me. I find it baffling that people don’t get that.”
The former Manchester United star was rested against Kazakhstan in the 2-1 win in their penultimate group game.
The 32-year-old did make a brief appearance however, Van Persie has been struggling for game time for both club and country.
The Fenerbahçe striker has not started for his last few games for the Yellow Canaries as well and is reported to be unhappy about the decision to leave him out of the starting lineup.
Van Persie does however, have four goals in all competitions for his club this season and is expected to play more regularly once he reaches match fitness.
The Dutch star joined Fenerbahçe on a three-year deal from United over the summer transfer window.