SEEDORF - I DON`T FEEL DUTCH

The 24-year-old Inter Milan midfielder was hitting back a reports suggesting that he should not be in the team, after a run of poor form.

"If my performances aren't so constant as with my club maybe it has something to do with it." said Seedorf. "It's not pressure, it's atmosphere. Subconsciously there is a negative impact on my performance."

"I'm a Dutchman and I play for the Netherlands, but I don't actually feel accepted as Dutch."

"People earn their money with negativity these days, but I've shown I'm stronger than that. I will keep performing for my clubs."

Seedorf has been at odds with the Dutch media ever since he missed a penlaty in the 1998 World Cup against France and in a World Cup qualifier against Turkey.

"I have 50 caps, seven goals, played good matches and lesser ones, missed two penalties. Also missed others. Why do people constantly have to go on about my penalty?"

Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard is fully supportive of his controversial midfielder, despite the fact he left him out of the team against France.

"I'm sure he was disappointed to be left out, but he's been giving everything in training." said Rikaard.