Edwin van der Sar has ruled out the possibility of prolonging his international career past Euro 2008.
Keeper set to retire from the international arena in the summer
Edwin van der Sar has ruled out the possibility of prolonging his international career past Euro 2008.
The Dutch keeper made the decision to step aside over a year ago and insists that he will not change his mind.
With current national coach Marco van Basten set to relinquish the reins after this summer's tournament, incoming coach Bert van Marwijk has stated his desire for the Manchester United shot-stopper to remain in the fold.
However, after 14 years in the Dutch squad which has included three World Cup Finals and three European Championships, Van Marwijk looks unlikely to be able to force Van der Sar into a retirement U-turn.
Arguments
"As things are now it's out of the question," Van der Sar told
Sportweek magazine.
"I cannot think of any arguments that could make me change my mind.
"I have an idea how I want to end my career in the Dutch team and extra-time doesn't fit into that idea."
Qualifiers
The veteran keeper did confirm that he intends to play on for another season at Manchester United, but admits that he remains unsure as to what the future may hold after that.
"I don't know how I will feel in 2009 and that is a disadvantage of a longer stay with Oranje," he said.
"You must be able to be part of the group for two years, including the World Cup.
"You don't want to be part of some qualifiers and then step out of the race. Playing a tournament is by far the most fun."
