van Bommel Outrage At Decision To Axe de Jong

Last updated : 05 October 2010 By Footy Mad - Editor

NU

Mark van Bommel has urged Nigel de Jong not to alter his approach despite the Manchester City midfielder's removal from the Holland squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden.

Dutch skipper Van Bommel: "Nigel is and remains one of us.

"We find this all very frustrating. It's very unfortunate that he has broken the leg of an opponent twice in six months.

"But I know Nigel as a sweet guy. He doesn't want to injure anyone but wants to win every match. That is his strength.

"Thanks to Nigel we reached the final of the World Cup. And now I hear people calling him a criminal. What a nonsense.

"I know exactly what Nigel is suffering.

"I have also had to answer for playing hard. But I didn't want to injure anyone and I have had to think about that criticism.

"Nigel should not change his game, we need him as he is.

"But maybe he should occasionally go into a tackle slightly differently.

"I think it was a very difficult decision for him.

"We are stronger with Nigel than without him.

"But he did it for the overall good."