Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel re-affirmed his
desire Friday to play for the Netherlands again following the departure
of coach Marco van Basten.
Van Basten stepped down as Netherlands coach after his side's UEFA EURO
2008 quarter-final exit at the hands of Russia and has been replaced by
van Bommel's father-in-law Bert van Marwijk as national coach.
Now van Bommel says he is keen to add to the 40 caps he has won for his
country with the Oranje.
"I always said that I would want to come back, if Marco left. Now
he has gone, and coincidentally my father-in-law is the new coach, if
he needs me, I am there," said the Bayern midfielder.
The 31-year-old will not be travelling to Beijing as part of the Netherlands
Olympic team and will stay in Germany to launch the defence of Bayern's
Bundesliga title.
After former Germany captain and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn retired at the
end of last season, van Bommel says he will step into the captain's role
only if asked.
"That is not my goal," said the Dutchman. "If the coach
says that I am to make it and the crew accepts, I will do it gladly."
