Bergwijn Responds to Koeman: “I No Longer Want to Play for Him”

Steven Bergwijn has made it clear that his time with the Dutch national team is over following comments made by coach Ronald Koeman. After Bergwijn’s transfer from Ajax to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, Koeman publicly stated that the forward’s international career was finished, claiming the move had nothing to do with sporting ambition.

In an interview with De Telegraaf, Bergwijn expressed his disappointment with Koeman, saying, “If he were a committed national coach, he would have called me first. Instead, I had to hear it on TV.” Bergwijn defended his decision, pointing out the high level of competition in Saudi Arabia, where top players like Kanté and Laporte now play. He added, “I’ve always considered it an honor to play for the national team, but I no longer want to be involved with someone who deliberately portrays me like this in the media.”

Despite closing the door on playing under Koeman, Bergwijn hinted at a possible return to the national team in the future under a different coach. He also expressed gratitude for the support from his teammates following his transfer to Al Ittihad.