Bergkamp ends Oranje return talk

The Dutchman has showed all his old skills for Arsenal this term, with his return to prominence coinciding with Arsenal's superb form in all competitions.

Thierry Henry has commanded the majority of the headlines, but the Dutchman has arguably been of equal importance and his efforts have led to talk of a possible return from the international wilderness.

Bergkamp called time on his international career after Euro 2000, but it has been suggested Oranje coach Dick Advocaat has considered asking him to return.

However, the bewitching skills of the veteran forward are unlikely to be seen on show in Portugal this summer.

"It (a return) has not been a topic of discussion," Bergkamp told AD Sportwereld. "The talk of me returning to the Dutch squad had initially passed me by.

"My family over here said they had read about it and heard about it. It is quite funny.

"But for me it has never been seriously discussed.

"I have made the decision to stop and I stand by that.

"It is nothing to do with emotion. At a certain stage you have to calculate things.

"What do I have to remove to remain at the top level?

"You have to cross something out and that was the Dutch squad."