Dutch record holder Sneijder quits as international

THE HAGUE, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Wesley Sneijder put an end to his international career, the Dutch football association KNVB announced on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Sneijder, who moved from French side OGC Nice to Al-Gharafa in Qatar in January this year, is the Dutch record international with a total of 133 matches for the Dutch national team. Last year he went past former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who played 130 times for "Oranje".

Sneijder decided that it was better to announce his retirement after a meeting he had with new Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman in Qatar.

"Wesley is one of the best Dutch players in recent years," Koeman explained on the website of the Dutch football association. "A great player with a great appearance. But I want to build a new 'Oranje' and have to make choices."

"When I left for Qatar, I knew of course that this could have an impact on my career as an international," reacted Sneijder. "Moreover, I understand that Koeman wants to make a new start with other, younger players. We spoke very openly about this and that was a very pleasant conversation. I respect his choice."

On April 30, 2003, Sneijder made his first appearance in a friendly against Portugal in Eindhoven, under coach Dick Advocaat. On November 14 last year against Romania in Bucharest he played his last international, also under Advocaat. He scored a total of 31 goals in his 133 internationals.

Sneijder represented the Netherlands at the European Championships of 2004, 2008 and 2012 and the World Cups of 2006, 2010 and 2014 and was part of one of the best Dutch generations ever, with among others Arjen Robben, also has already retired as international too, and Robin van Persie.

His best period was around 2010 when the midfielder led "Oranje" to the final with five goals, including two goals against Brazil in the quarterfinals. Four years later a less dominant Sneijder also was part of the Dutch team that finished third at the 2014 World Cup. Enditem