PA Media/dpa
London
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman says Steven Bergwijn’s international career is over after his move to Saudi Arabia.
Former Tottenham winger Bergwijn on Monday completed a transfer from Ajax to Al Ittihad - a switch Koeman claims is based on money.
"The book is basically closed,” Koeman said at a press conference on Tuesday.
"I think that when you’re 26, the ambition should be sporting and not financial. He could have stayed at Ajax, that’s not bad either. And I think they pay pretty well there too.
"Anyway, everyone has a different view and it’s their choice. I personally wouldn’t have made it.” Asked if Bergwijn had spoken to him before signing, Koeman said: "No.
I think he would have known what I would have said.” Georginio Wijnaldum, 33, was in the Dutch squad at Euro 2024 despite playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq.
But Koeman added: "He had problems at Paris St Germain and this was the only opportunity for him to play. In addition, there is a difference in age.” Bergwijn, who has 35 international caps, was left out of the Netherlands squad for the Nations League matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Germany.