Bergkamp hangs up Dutch jersey

Bergkamp hangs up Dutch jersey
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

Amsterdam, June 30: Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp announced his retirement from the National team following the Netherlands' Euro 2000 semi-final defeat to Italy in a penalty shootout.

The 31-year-old veteran, who had already hinted that the Euro 2000 would be his last major international tournament, said he want more time to spend with his family and was ``tired of all the games.''

Bergkamp, who has scored 37 goals in 78 caps, has been a permanent fixture on the National team since 1990 when he played his first international friendly against Italy.

While the Dutch forward had not scored once during the tournament, he had been crucial in striking partner Patrick Kluivert's five-goal scoring success, feeding countless balls.

For Bergkamp, the Euro 2000 tournament offered a last chance at a major international title. However, it was not only the team's failure to advance which infuriated the blond striker but the team's eternal failure at penalty shootouts.

It marked the fourth time since Bergkamp began National duty that the team had lost in penalties.

At Euro 92 the Dutch lost in a semi-final shootout to eventual champions Denmark. At the European Championships in 1996, the Netherlands lost in the same way to France in the quarter-finals and at the 1998 World Cup the Oranje team lost to Brazil in another semi-final shootout.

``I don't know why Holland can't win in a penalty shootout,'' said Bergkamp, angrily. ``It's not the first time and it won't be the last. It's so stupid. We have only to blame ourselves. It's so stupid.''

Many believe that Bergkamp -- the only non-flying Dutchman -- would retire as he did not want to go to 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea because of a paralyzing fear of flying.

But Bergkamp dismissed the thought as ridiculous. ``If don't go to Japan and Korea it's not because I don't want to fly,'' he stated.

Regarding his club career, Bergkamp says he is committed to Arsenal and could well finish off his career with the English team.

"I'm enjoying the English competition and with Arsenal we have chances to win things,'' he said. ``It's too good to miss.''

When he decides to retire from professional soccer, Bergkamp has no intention of becoming a coach.

``I know people who said they never will and then do, but I just can't see myself at training with tapes and with everything else,'' Bergkamp shrugged.