Feyenoord ace Salomon Kalou has given up his hope of playing for Holland.
Feyenoord ace Salomon Kalou has given up his hope of playing for Holland and will now commit his international future to his native Ivory Coast.The 20-year-old had hoped to have his application for Dutch citizenship fast-tracked, which would have enabled him to play for Marco van Basten's side during the World Cup finals.
However, Dutch authorities refused to make a special case for Kalou and he has now accepted that he will not be playing for Holland.
Kalou will now link-up with his brother Bonaventure in playing for Ivory Coast - but his decision comes a matter of weeks too late for a World Cup reprieve, as The Elephants have already picked their finals squad.
"The book is closed and after the World Cup I will do what I promised my brother, play for Ivory Coast," he told Sportsweek.
"That is all there is left for me because I don't expect to play in the Netherlands much longer. I have to move on with my career and don't want to be held up in my development."
Van Basten is eager to find out what Kalou's thoughts are, as the former international striker is still keen to have the services of the Feyenoord man in the future.
"I would like to know from Kalou himself what is going on and not via other people," he said.
News that Kalou is no longer seeking Dutch citizenship is also likely to accelerate a move away from Rotterdam.
Kalou had looked set to remain in Holland while he sorted out his international future, but now he looks able to move - which is sure to alert Chelsea.
The Blues are reportedly very keen on the young forward and now he is not committed to Holland, a move this summer to Stamford Bridge could well be in the offing.
