Ronald Koeman can see "the bar going up in training" as he challenged the Netherlands to build on their momentum against Hungary.

The Oranje, who reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals, have made an unbeaten start to their Nations League Group campaign with four points from their opening two Group A3 matches.

After opening with a 5-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Dutch then played out a 2-2 draw with Germany.

Next up for Koeman's side is a trip to the Puskas Arena to face Hungary on Friday, and the head coach wants his players to keep building on the positive aspects of their performances so far.

"I've showed the players what was good and why it was good. The football was good," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"We always had depth in our game, created many chances and the transitions were very good. I want us to keep that up. The energy was also good, and I saw that this week in training, too.

"I see that the bar is going up in the training. There is a lot of competition for places. We've had quite a few injuries at the back and in midfield, which gives others a chance."

The Netherlands will be the favourites to take all three points, but Koeman is not underestimating the Magyars, who defeated England twice and Germany during the last edition of the Nations League.

"To be honest, I was quite surprised that Hungary had a good chance of reaching the final four," he added.

"They still have many of the same players. I don't understand why their recent results have not been as impressive, but we should not think that we are just easily going to win this."

Netherlands and Ajax legend Johan Neeskens has passed away at the age of 73, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has announced.

Neeskens played a key role in the Ajax and Netherlands teams credited with popularising "total football" in the 1970s, playing alongside Johan Cruyff for club and country.

Neeskens scored 17 goals in 49 appearances for his nation, helping them reach two World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978, only for West Germany and Argentina to beat them in those showpiece matches.

The midfielder scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in the first of those finals, only for goals from Paul Breitner and Gerd Muller to hand West Germany their second title.

He also helped Ajax win back-to-back Eredivisie crowns in 1971-72 and 1972-73, as well as three straight European Cups in 1971, 1972 and 1973, a feat that has only been replicated by Bayern Munich (1974 to 1976) and Real Madrid (2016 to 2018) since then.

Neeskens followed Cruyff and coach Rinus Michels to Barcelona in 1974, winning the Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners' Cup in five seasons at Camp Nou.

A KNVB statement released on Monday read: "The KNVB was deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Johan Neeskens.

"Johan was one of our greatest. We will miss him tremendously. We wish his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and Lovee, relatives and friends much strength in bearing this great loss. Rest in peace, Johan."

Following his retirement, Neeskens had a spell as the Netherlands' assistant manager under Guus Hiddink and Frank Rijkaard, also assisting the latter at Barcelona from 2006 to 2008.

He also spent four years in charge of Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen, leading them to UEFA Cup qualification via a fifth-placed league finish in 2002-03.

Arne Slot is "something special" and can have a sensational impact as Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool replacement, believes Eredivisie chief executive Jan de Jong. 

Speaking at the Thinking Football Summit organised by Liga Portugal, De Jong also backed Slot – alongside embattled Manchester United counterpart Erik ten Hag – to manage the Netherlands in the future. 

Slot has enjoyed a fine start to life at Anfield after leaving Feyenoord, leading Liverpool to three straight Premier League wins, including an impressive 3-0 triumph over United.

The Reds have won all three of their Premier League games this term while keeping a clean sheet in each victory. When they host Nottingham Forest on Saturday, they could become just the fifth team in English top-flight history to start a season with four straight wins without conceding. 

Manchester City last achieved that feat in 2015-16, following in the footsteps of Aston Villa (1900-01), Ipswich Town (1974-75) and Chelsea (2005-06).

Ten Hag has found things more difficult at Old Trafford, becoming the first United manager to start two Premier League seasons with the club by losing two of his first three matches.

However, De Jong expects both bosses to be successful in the long term, telling Stats Perform: "The Premier League is the highest goal you can reach. So if there are two Dutch coaches at such big clubs, we are very proud of it. It's the best we can do. 

"We hope that in the near future, both will be the coach of the Dutch national team. I think Ten Hag started very well, but Louis van Gaal says Manchester United is a very difficult team to manage. 

"So Erik is facing a lot of problems, but I think he's technical, a very good coach on a very high level and Arne Slot is something special. 

"I think he will be a sensation. You never know, but he has everything in him to be one of the greatest coaches of his time. "

De Jong's primary concern for 2024-25 is ensuring the Eredivisie maintains its position as Europe's sixth league, pointing to the importance of Champions League revenue going to multiple Dutch clubs.

"To be honest, we want to be the sixth league. There's a huge gap and we cannot bridge it between the big five and the others," he said.

"A couple of years ago, in 2018, we were number 14 in the UEFA ranking and now we are number six. That's very important and we have at least two teams participating in the Champions League. 

"That is crucial for us because the money the teams get out of Champions League football is much more than the local media rights. So this year is fully aimed at how we stay in sixth position."

The Eredivisie is one of several leagues to be threatened by the big-spending approach of Saudi Pro League clubs, with Steven Bergwijn swapping Ajax for Al-Ittihad in a €21million move earlier this month.

That switch led Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman to leave Bergwijn out of his squad for this month's Nations League fixtures, and De Jong admits the financial power of Saudi clubs is a real concern.

"When you make a step in your career, I hope that it's always out of an aim that you want to reach the highest level," he added.

"I'm a little bit naïve, but I hope winning prizes is more important than earning as much money as you can."

On Koeman's decision to exclude Bergwijn, he said: "He said that from his point of view, he would no longer take Bergwijn as a player of the Dutch national team. 

"He did not say that the competition was not strong enough, but he was very surprised that he did it at the age of 26. That was the point Koeman was trying to make."

Ronald Koeman revealed that Matthijs de Ligt's substitution was made to protect him during the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Germany in the Nations League. 

Tijjani Reijnders had given the Netherlands the lead in the second minute, only for Deniz Undav and Joshua Kimmich to hand the visitors the advantage at the break. 

For Germany's equaliser, Manchester United defender De Ligt saw his pass under no pressure intercepted by Jamal Musiala, resulting in Undav levelling the scores.

Koeman had previously addressed De Ligt's errors during the Netherlands' 5-2 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last week and had to do so once again on Tuesday. 

"Of course, I would rather have kept Matthijs de Ligt on the pitch. It just looks like he is now in a period where all his mistakes are being punished," said Koeman.

"I gave him a new chance today, but eventually protected him by taking him off."

However, Liverpool captain and defensive partner Virgil van Dijk was more blunt in his assessment, saying the punishment is bound to follow against the top sides.

"This is football. You have to learn from this," Van Dijk said. "It was one moment but at the highest level you will get punished for it."

But at the top end of the pitch, Koeman was impressed with the performance of Ajax striker Brian Brobbey, who was given the chance to shine in place of the absent Memphis Depay. 

Brobbey, who made only his second start for his country against Germany, proved a handful for the visitors' defence, notching the assist for Denzel Dumfries' equaliser, with his five touches in the opposition box a total only bettered by Cody Gakpo (seven).

The Dutchman's display forced Julian Nagelsmann into making a defensive substitution of his own at the break, replacing Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah for Borussia Dortmund new boy Waldemar Anton. 

"Tah was not substituted for nothing," said Koeman. "He pulled Brobbey’s shirt five times and committed a foul each time. Brobbey held him off very well.

"The second goal also came from Brobbey. I am super satisfied with him. He got his chance, and it was great that he took it like that.

"I am glad I chose him. He is fast and strong."

There was cause for concern, however, for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, who pulled up off the ball on the stroke of half-time and was replaced by Jurrien Timber. 

Ake left the field on a stretcher and was visibly upset, with Koeman able to provide a brief update on the injury. 

"It looks like a muscle injury for Nathan, though I am not certain," Koeman said.

The Netherlands and Germany played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their second Nations League Group A3 fixture in Amsterdam on Tuesday.

Goals from Deniz Undav and Joshua Kimmich saw Julian Nagelsmann's side fight back to lead after they fell behind to Tijjani Reijnders' second-minute strike, only for Denzel Dumfries to level five minutes into the second half and keep the sides locked level on four points.

Ronald Koeman's side did suffer a major injury blow late in the first half, though, with Manchester City's Nathan Ake substituted after sustaining an apparent foot injury.

The hosts made a lightning start at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Ryan Gravenberch sliding a neat throughball into the path of Reijnders, who made no mistake when one-on-one with Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The Oranje twice went close to extending their lead, Dumfries somehow heading Xavi Simons' free-kick wide before the latter was denied by Ter Stegen, and they were punished for their wastefulness after 38 minutes.

Florian Wirtz saw a close-range effort parried by Bart Verbruggen, but Undav was ideally placed to volley home the rebound, shortly before Ake was carried off on a stretcher following a clash with Kimmich.

Dumfries made a vital intervention to deny David Raum as the momentum swung in Germany's favour, and they took the lead three minutes into first-half stoppage time.

Undav was involved again, steering Raum's cross back into the centre for captain Kimmich to lash home from close range.

The Netherlands, however, refused to lie down and started the second half almost as quickly as they began the first. Brian Brobbey was played in behind by Simons, and his cutback was turned home by Dumfries to make it 2-2 after 50 minutes.

Ter Stegen kept out Gravenberch's long-range strike, while Raum sent a header over from a good position, but neither side could find a winner.

Data Debrief: Undav's first impression

Undav has looked a player reborn since he swapped Brighton for Stuttgart, initially on loan, ahead of the 2023-24 season. 

He scored 18 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances as Sebastian Hoeness' men stunned Bayern Munich to finish as runners-up last term, and on Tuesday, he was rewarded with his first Germany start.

Undav repaid Nagelsmann's faith, becoming the first player to both score and assist on their first start for Germany since Amin Younes in 2017, versus San Marino.

Continuity is key for Julian Nagelsmann, as the Germany head coach revealed he would make minimal changes for their Nations League encounter with the Netherlands.

Nagelsmann, who watched on as his side swept aside Hungary 5-0 last week, confirmed he will be without Euro 2024 hero Niclas Fullkrug, though.

The 31-year-old scored two goals at the European Championships and was again on target for the Nationalelf in their Nations League opener. 

Fullkrug was replaced in the 60th minute by Maximilian Beier, registering an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.11 to Germany's 3.71 total against Hungary. 

However, Nagelsmann confirmed the West Ham United striker suffered an Achilles tendon injury that will rule him out of Tuesday's fixture in Amsterdam. 

"It is not yet clear whether he can play," Nagelsmann said ahead of kick-off, but revealed he would not be making wholesale changes from their 5-0 win over Hungary.

“We are not thinking about changing much," Nagelsmann said.

"There are certainly things we can do similarly. But it is a different opponent with a different style of play."

Germany's win over Hungary also marked their first encounter without a number of their recent heroes following their retirement after Euro 2024. 

Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer, who have 451 caps between them, hung up their boots after their run to quarter-finals in their home tournament.

It offered the opportunity for players to stake a claim in the first-team squad, none more so than Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

Ter Stegen made 41 appearances for his country but has been second choice to Neuer at major tournaments, and the 32-year-old returned to the international stage with a clean sheet, albeit only facing one shot on target against Hungary. 

"Marc played a very good game against Hungary," Nagelsmann said.

"He is a very important player for us because he has been with Barcelona for years and has a responsible position there as captain." 

Although in March, Nagelsmann had told Ter Stegen it would be Neuer who would start at the European Championships, despite missing 21 games for club and country with injury.

"The conversation wasn't particularly pleasant. Marc took it well and accepted the decision," Nagelsmann said.

"But I was briefly concerned that he would say I'm not going along with it. That would have been a shame."

Ronald Koeman said there is still a place in the Netherlands team for Memphis Depay after reportedly agreeing a deal with Brazilian giants, Corinthians.

Depay, who has 98 appearances for his country since his debut in 2013, was not picked for the Oranje's Nations League fixtures against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany this month. 

The 30-year-old started all six of the Netherlands' fixtures at Euro 2024, scoring against Austria and notching an assist in their quarter-final win over Turkiye.

He struggled with injuries during his final season at Atletico Madrid, missing 18 games in all competitions, but still managed nine goals in 31 appearances.

But Koeman's comments come after denouncing the move of Steven Bergwijn to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, saying his decision to move to the Middle East had closed the book on his international career.

“I disapproved Bergwijn to Saudi, with Memphis it can be different," Koeman said.

"The level of the league in Brazil is different, so yes, he can still be part of the national team, but it depends on his fitness and if he reaches his level.”

Koeman's side will be hoping to maintain their winning start to their Nations League campaign against Germany in Amsterdam on Tuesday. 

The Netherlands put five past Bosnia last week, with Joshua Zirkzee, Tijjani Reijnders, Cody Gakpo, Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons all on target. 

Despite registering 28 shots, with nine of those on target, along with an expected goals (xG) total of 4.09, two lapses in concentration from Matthijs de Ligt were punished by Bosnia.

Ermedin Demirovic capitalised on some poor positioning by the Manchester United defender, who was then caught ball-watching as veteran Edin Dzeko capitalised.

But Koeman again jumped to the defence of the 25-year-old, confirming that De Ligt would be starting against Germany.

"We have discussed it," Koeman said. "He did not get his footwork right. It was a bad individual moment for a defender.

"You have to learn from that, it is clear that these kinds of moments need to be improved. But we should not be dramatic about it and put too much emphasis on it."

Ronald Koeman was pleased with the Netherlands' "flashy" display against Bosnia-Herzegovina, as he also jumped to the aid of defender Matthijs de Ligt.

A dominant Dutch display eventually reflected the scoreline it deserved upon Donatas Rumsas' final whistle, as they bounced back to winning ways with a 5-2 victory following their Euro 2024 semi-final disappointment.

Joshua Zirkzee's opener was cancelled out by Ermedin Demirovic, before strikes from Tijjani Reijnders and Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands a comfortable advantage. 

Edin Dzeko's 73rd-minute goal threatened to set a nervy conclusion to proceedings, only for Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons to confirm an emphatic victory.

"We played really well in possession. Very fresh, fast, often finding the people between the lines," Koeman said.

"Especially after the break, we had a good phase, but then the game has to be over."

Despite registering 28 shots, with nine of those on target, along with an expected goals (xG) total of 4.09, two lapses in concentration from De Ligt were punished by Bosnia.

Demirovic capitalised on some poor positioning from the Manchester United defender, who was then caught ball-watching as veteran Dzeko capitalised.

But Koeman came to the defence of De Ligt, saying: "You concede two goals, you take that with you. When we went to 3-2, you also saw some doubt in the team, while that was not necessary if you looked at the proportions.

"[For the first goal] Simons should have done better. He was marking their left midfielder and suddenly walked away from him.

"Of course, the centre-backs are positioning themselves wrong too.

"He [De Ligt] also realises that he is in the wrong position. This shouldn't happen, but mistakes are part of football. I think it's unfair to make a big deal out of it."

Joshua Zirkzee marked his first Netherlands start with a goal and an assist as Ronald Koeman's side kicked off their Nations League campaign with a 5-2 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. 

The Manchester United forward opened the scoring early on at the Philips Stadion.

A quiet start to proceedings burst into life in the 13th minute as Simons' deflected effort dropped kindly for Zirkzee, who nodded the ball beyond Nikola Vasilj. 

But with their second shot on target, Bosnia snatched an equaliser after Denis Huseinbasic's defence-splitting pass picked out Ermedin Demirovic, who finished smartly. 

Teed up by Zirkzee, Tijjani Reijnders restored the hosts' advantage before teeing up Cody Gakpo, who maintained the goalscoring form he displayed at Euro 2024.

Bosnia provided a nervy finish to proceedings after Edin Dzeko neatly poked the ball beyond Bart Verbruggen, only for Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons to seal the win in the closing stages.

Data Debrief: Gen Z(irkzee)

Having only held a one-goal advantage until the 88th minute, the scoreline eventually reflected the Netherlands' dominance in Eindhoven. 

Koeman's side generated an expected goals (xG) total of 4.09, registering 28 shots, nine of which were on target, compared to their opponents' four and three.

Zirkzee, meanwhile, became the fourth player after Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Bas Dost and Vincent Janssen to contribute a goal and assist on their starting debut for the Netherlands.

It was also the first Netherlands game with three players representing the same non-Dutch club side (Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Gakpo for Liverpool) since November 2013 (Michel Vorm, Dwight Tiendalli and Jonathan de Guzman for Swansea City against China). 

Steven Bergwijn had strong words for Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman following the 61-year-old's criticism of his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

Bergwijn, who has made 35 international appearances since his debut in 2018, was a notable admission for the Oranje's upcoming Nations League fixtures. 

The 26-year-old started two games at Euro 2024 in the knockout phase of the competition but was substituted in both at the half-time interval. 

He also enjoyed an impressive season at club level last campaign, creating more chances (50) and completing more dribbles (39) than anyone in the Ajax squad, scoring 12 goals in 24 appearances in the Eredivisie.

But ahead of the Netherlands' clashes with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany, Koeman took a dim view of Bergwijn swapping Ajax for the riches of Saudi Arabia.

"The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this," Koeman said.

"When you are 26 [years old], your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make."

Bergwijn, however, had some choice words for his international manager, saying: "I am done with someone who deliberately portrays me like that in the media.

"That's not how you treat your own players. The national coach knows very well that the competition in Saudi Arabia is at a great level.

"Or are you only allowed to take such a step when you are 32?".

But Koeman has since responded to Bergwijn's comments, choosing to stick to his guns. 

"It's logical that Steven Bergwijn reacts to my words on his move to Saudi. But I stick to my words!," Koeman told NOS.

"Going to Saudi at 26, it's not a transfer based on the sporting aspect."

Ryan Gravenberch has credited Arne Slot for his brilliant start to the new season, saying the manager gives him clarity and confidence.

Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich last September and made 26 Premier League appearances under Jurgen Klopp, but started just 12 of those games.

Since Slot's arrival, the midfielder has been shifted into a deeper-lying midfield role, earning plaudits for his performances, having started all three of their matches as the Reds made a perfect start to the campaign.

So far, among Liverpool players, he has won the joint-most duels (17), made the most interceptions (seven), and won the joint-most tackles (six).

Gravenberch believes his performances come from the faith shown in him by Slot.

"I just feel good in my skin, to be honest," Gravenberch told ESPN Netherlands. "But does that have a reason? Yeah, things are going well at the club. I'm just doing my thing, and it's working out well now."

"He gives me confidence now. He just lets me start in the lineup. It's going pretty well.

"As a player, you obviously want to get minutes. For me, that confidence is part of it. With that confidence, I feel more comfortable, and with the minutes, it keeps getting better.

"He's a good coach. He knows what he wants. He has a clear plan. Yeah, so far, we're executing it really well. Clarity from the start is always nice for me."

Gravenberch is now hoping to translate that form to the national side, and he is part of the squad for their Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany.

The 22-year-old was also part of their Euro 2024 party but did not play a single minute in the tournament as the Oranje reached the semi-final before being knocked out by England.

While he admits that it bothered him not to feature for his country at the Euros, he is now looking to put that frustration behind him as he looks towards future tournaments.

"It did gnaw at me a little," he said. "Because, when you go to the Euros, of course, you want to play. But in the end, we have to move on. The Euros are in the past. And now we're here."

"Life goes on," he added. "The Euros are over, and now we have to focus on the Nations League. And in two years, there's the World Cup again."

Ian Maatsen is disappointed not to have made the cut for the Netherlands' Nations League squad, but is willing to wait it out.

Maatsen, who was initially a surprise omission from the Dutch Euro 2024 squad before he was called up as a late replacement for the injured Frenkie de Jong, was not included by Ronald Koeman in the squad for the fixtures against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Germany.

The left-back, who helped Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before joining Aston Villa from Chelsea, is yet to feature in a senior game for his nation.

Instead, he is a standout name in the Netherlands' Under-21 squad.

And while he is frustrated not to have made the cut for Koeman's selection, the 22-year-old will bide his time. 

"Of course this is a disappointment. I expected to have to report to the [senior] side," he said.

"I could have withdrawn, but that's not who I am. Sometimes you have to accept things and not worry too much. I have to show here that I am the best and can play for the Dutch national team.

"I tried to enjoy myself to the fullest. I was always raring to go. Even if it was just for a minute. I wanted a cap but it hasn’t come yet."

The Dutch Under-21s face North Macedonia Under-21s on Friday.

Virgil van Dijk will play for the Netherlands at least until the 2026 World Cup after discussions with Ronald Koeman over his future.

The Liverpool defender, who has earned 74 caps since making his debut for the national team in October 2015, was awarded the captaincy by Koeman in 2018, during the manager's first spell in charge.

He has since led the team through three major tournaments, including two World Cups, with the Netherlands making it to the semi-finals at Euro 2024 before being knocked out by England.

And Koeman revealed he flew to Liverpool to have a face-to-face conversation with Van Dijk to persuade him to appear at the next major finals should they get there.

"I thought it was so important to go to him to see and feel with him: are you going to give it your all for another two years at the highest level and do you still see a future for yourself? And he does," Koeman told reporters.

"And I do the same with him. All doubt is gone, he just goes on.

"He admitted he did not reach the level you would expect from him as a player at the European Championship. As captain, I think he did a great job.

"But perhaps as a result, he put too much energy into others rather than into himself."

Koeman also confirmed that Steven Bergwijn, who sealed a deadline-day move to Al-Ittihad on Monday, is no longer in his plans after his move to the Saudi Pro League.

The forward scored eight goals in 35 appearances for the national team but failed to register a goal involvement at Euro 2024, albeit in just two starts.

Having also struggled at the start of the Eredivisie season for Ajax, making just one substitute appearance before his move, Koeman explained why the 26-year-old is no longer part of his plans.

"The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this," Koeman said.

"When you are 26 [years old], your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make.

"I have never been in that situation, because I could go to Barcelona. He could have stayed at Ajax. That's not bad, is it? You have to respect that choice, but personally, I wouldn't [have moved]."

Koeman clarified why he continued to call up Georginio Wijnaldum, who moved to Al-Ettifaq from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, compared to his staunch approach to Bergwijn.

"Gini had problems at PSG and this was the only opportunity for him to still play," Koeman added.

"In addition, there is a difference in age [Wijnaldum moved aged 33]."

The Netherlands begin their Nations League campaign in League A Group 3 against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Saturday before playing Germany next week.

Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke has received his first call-up to the Netherlands squad to replace Micky van de Ven for their upcoming Nations League fixtures. 

Van de Ven was seen in training with Tottenham Hotspur this week, but Ange Postecoglou did not include him in his squad for their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

A knee injury sustained in Spurs' 4-0 win over Everton last time has forced Van de Ven to withdraw, with the Dutch football association confirming he was not match fit. 

But Ronald Koeman has a dependable replacement in Van Hecke, who has impressed for the Seagulls this season under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

His 222 successful passes this season is a total only bettered by defensive partner Lewis Dunk (233), while he has also won 15 of his 26 contested duels. 

The Netherlands kickstart their Nations League campaign against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Saturday before facing Germany in Amsterdam three days later. 

Daley Blind has announced his retirement from international duty for the Netherlands.

The defender made his debut in 2013 against Italy and went on to make 108 appearances for his country, the fifth-most in the nation's history, netting three goals.

He was part of the Dutch squad that reached the semi-finals at Euro 2024, though only made one substitute appearance, coming on in the latter stages of their round of 16 tie against Romania.

"It was an honour to wear the Orange shirt 108 times. For me, that is the highest achievable as a player: representing your country," Blind said in a post on social media.

"For 11 years I have done everything I could to keep wearing that beautiful Oranje shirt. It has given me so much, so many beautiful moments. I cherish them.

"A new, talented generation is coming up and after a good conversation with the national coach it is time to fully focus on my club and my family.

"Once again, it was a great honour! They were great years. Thank you national coaches, staff, teammates and, of course, the Oranje legion! I will miss it and you. Thanks to everyone."