Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has confirmed that he wants to play for the Netherlands national team and not Belgium.

The centre-back, who can also play at left-back was born in Belgium but grew up in the Netherlands. He played in the youth of ADO Den Haag and Ajax, before moving to Leeds in 2018.

Struijk has been included in the provisional squad for the World Cup and speaking to Viaplay, he confirmed he has made his decision.

Struijk said, “I think I have now made my choice clear: I want to play football for Oranje.

“It would also not be fair to both coaches, and to the fans of Oranje and Belgium if I first say that I will play football for Oranje and then suddenly choose Belgium. Or vice versa. That would not be fair.”

Struijk is hoping to convince Van Gaal to pick him for Qatar, “I would be super happy and proud if I were there. But the only way I can influence someone’s choice is through the way I play. So I try to play the best I can. I try to reach my highest level and give the maximum and I’ll see what his choice becomes. If I’m there, great. If I’m not there, then I’m not.”




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