Dutch icon Arjen Robben has announced his retirement from international football on the same night he scored a brace against Sweden.
Robben scored both goals as Holland won on Tuesday night but failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
The flamboyant winger was pictured crying ahead of kick-off at the Amsterdam Arena.
Arjen Robben announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday night
‘It’s a good time to pass the torch to the next generation,’ he conceded after the game.
He added that Holland failing to qualify for a World Cup finals for the first time since 2002 had become a formality before Tuesday’s tie.
He said: ‘We knew we didn’t have a chance but it was an amazing game. I wanted to show one more time all the things that I can do.
‘It hasn’t been an easy decision but I am 33 and now must give my full focus to my club.’
Robben scored twice on Tuesday night as Holland beat Sweden at the Amsterdam Arena
The 33-year-old’s 14-year international career has been full of success.
He scored a total of 37 goals and assisted 29 times in the 96 games he played for his country.
He was a key player for the Dutch as they finished as runners-up at the World Cup in 2010 before coming third in Brazil three years ago.
He may well be best remembered for the goal he didn’t score against Spain in the final in South Africa.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas produced a fantastic save to deny Robben before Spain went on to win 1-0 in extra-time.