Wednesday 14 October 2015 15:23, UK
Robin van Persie insists he will not retire from international football, despite the Netherlands failing to qualify for Euro 2016.
The 32-year-old Fenerbahce striker scored his 50th goal for his country on Tuesday in Amsterdam, but it was in vain as the Netherlands suffered a 3-2 defeat to the Czech Republic.
Van Persie, who came on as a 38th-minute substitute, also scored at the wrong end, heading past Dutch goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet as the Netherlands failed to qualify for their first major tournament since the 2002 World Cup.
However, the former Manchester United forward, who won his 100th cap against Kazakhstan on Saturday, is not ready to call time on his international career.
"I'm not one to run away from difficult situations," he is quoted as saying in De Telegraaf. "As I see it now, I will just stay available. It is still an honour to play for the Oranje in good but also in bad times.
"I'm not someone who runs away in difficult situations from his responsibilities. Giving up is not an option but it is, of course, dependent on whether I am called.
"My heart cries as a sportsman. This entire qualifying series followed a doomsday scenario. It was terrible. Yet we must remain positive despite this very difficult situation. It will be a long, painful way up, but we will have to climb out of this situation."
Meanwhile, Dutch captain Wesley Sneijder has also stated his intention to continue playing for his country.
He added: "I will not stop playing for Netherlands. I still feel very fit."
