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Dubai: Clarence Seedorf has said he put the interests of the team before himself while pulling out of the Dutch national squad for this summer's Euro 2008.
"There is no divide in the Dutch team for this year's Euro. (Marco) Van Basten (Dutch coach) didn't tell me to go, but I opted out of the squad considering the greater interests of the team," Seedorf told Gulf News.
The 32-year-old Surinam born AC Milan midfielder was in Dubai to launch his 'Goal4Africa' campaign to raise funds for educational and development programmes in Africa.
The midfielder pulled out of the Netherlands squad for Euro 2008, criticising coach van Basten for not giving him room to play his natural game.
"I think too much attention is being given to this matter. The whole world knows what transpired between me and van Basten, and I think I took the best decision in the interests of my teammates and the country," Seedorf said.
'Very tough'
Seedorf's talent is well known considering that he has won four Uefa Champions League titles with three different clubs, including two with his present team AC Milan.
"It was very tough to make the choice, but I made it for the team as I did not want to create any tension with the players, especially with the coach showing me that I was not an important player in his plans," Seedorf stated.
When van Basten took over the Netherlands team after Euro 2004, he overlooked Seedorf for more than two years.
However, the former Ajax star forced his way back into the team in late 2006 because of his displays in Serie A.
Van Basten's contract with the Dutch team will run out at the end of Euro 2008, and could open the way for Seedorf to return under a new coach.
And the 32-year-old, who has scored 11 goals in 87 appearances for the Netherlands, said he still harboured hopes of winning something big with the Dutch side.
World Cup hopes
"My ambition is to win something big with the national squad, and my last hope can be at the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa," said the star, who is currently fourth on the all-time appearance list for the Dutch.
Meanwhile, he has tipped either Italy or France to win Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland this summer.
"Both Italy and France look capable of winning. Unfortunately, Holland are in the same group," Seedorf said.
The midfielder also counted Germany and Spain among the hopefuls for the title.
However, he has not ruled Holland out and believes they could be the surprise package at the tournament.
"Even then, I think Italy has the best chance of lifting the trophy," he said.
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