The 32-year-old AC Milan midfielder phoned Van Basten to announce his decision on Monday night, leaving the coach shocked. "I did not expect this at all," he said. "I told Clarence I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as a football player, but his mind was already made up." Seedorf has scored eleven goals in 87 international appearances for the Oranje.

In a statement, Seedorf said: "It is a decision that comes after serious consideration and months of reflection. Since my return to the national team, the right conditions have not been created to let me perform at my best and to effectively excel as the team member I always strive to be."