Liverpool legend Dirk Kuyt admits he is shocked that Feyenoord will not be involved in European competition next season.
Kuyt is set to rejoin his former club following the expiry of his contract with Fenerbahce this summer, but he had thought the Rotterdam side would be playing in Europe.
However, following a Europa League playoff round defeat to Heerenveen, Feyenoord will not be able to offer Kuyt the chance to play in Europe next term.
The striker though is still optimistic about the future in his native Netherlands with Feyenoord as he feels the club have a number of quality players. And as such he is not willing to judge their campaign on their end of season run-in.
Kuyt, who missed out on the Turkish Super Lig title at the weekend, told Dutch broadcaster NOS: "Indeed, it's not been the nicest weekend.
relatedNewsStory
"I never expected that Feyenoord would get no European football.
"But on the other hand, I see a team with so much quality that I have great faith in the future. So I'm not talking about the last six or seven games because before that I could see Feyenoord playing games with the same players and a lot of promise.
"I'm convinced we can all do something beautiful together."
Kuyt's first spell at Feyenoord was between 2003 and 2006, during which time he established himself as a cult figure at De Kuip. He left for Liverpool in 2006.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
