Arjen Robben has announced his retirement from international football
Robben scored two goals as Holland beat Sweden in Amsterdam on Tuesday night but failed to qualify for Russia 2018.
Robben scored both goals as Holland won on Tuesday night but failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
‘It’s a good time to pass the torch to the next generation,’ he conceded after the game.
He added that Holland failing to qualify for a World Cup finals for the first time since 2002 was already known to the squad before Tuesday’s tie.
He said: ‘We knew we didn’t have a chance but it was an amazing game. I wanted to show one more time all the things that I can do.
Robben scored twice on Tuesday night as Holland beat Sweden at the Amsterdam Arena
‘It hasn’t been an easy decision but I am 33 and now must give my full focus to my club.’
He scored a total of 37 goals and assisted 29 times in the 96 games he played for his country.
The 33-year-old Robben made his debut with the national team in 2003 and was a key figure in multiple Dutch successes on the international stage. He started for his country in the 2010 World Cup final in the extra-time loss to Spain.
He may well be best remembered for the goal he missed against Spain in the final in South Africa.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas produced a fantastic save to deny Robben before Spain went on to win 1-0 in extra-time.
