Ronald Koeman ends Netherlands star's international career after transfer he doesn't agree with - The Mirror

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Steven Bergwijn has decided to leave Ajax to move to Saudi Arabia in a big-money deal - but for Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, that means the end of his international career

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has told Steven Bergwijn that his international career is over.

The former Tottenham Hotspur forward completed a move from Ajax to Saudi side Al Ittihad on Monday. Al Ittihad paid Ajax £21million for the winger, and are handing Bergwijn a deal worth £7million per year.

But ex-Southampton, Everton and Barcelona boss Koeman has been left furious by the player's decision, insists he wasn't consulted on it and claims the decision is one taken purely based on money - and therefore won't be picking Bergwijn again.

“The book is basically closed,” said a defiant Koeman, speaking 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.”

When quizzed on whether Bergwijn had spoken to him about the move, Koeman insisted he had not - and reckoned that the reason he hadn't was because he knew the Oranje boss would have been set against it.

"I think he would have known what I would have said," said Koeman.

Bergwijn, who has 35 international caps, has duly been left out of the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Germany.

But it was pointed out to Koeman that ex-Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum WAS part of the Dutch squad at Euro 2024, despite plying his trade for Steven Gerrard at Saudi side Al Ettifaq.

But Koeman waved away suggestions of a double standard, adding: “He had problems at Paris Saint Germain and this was the only opportunity for him to play. In addition, there is a difference in age.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.