Former Tottenham Hotspur star Rafael van der Vaart has stressed that he will always make himself available to play for the Netherlands.

Van der Vaart has made 109 appearances for the Dutch national team, but his last cap came in a 0-0 draw against Colombia in November 2013.




The Dutchman was named in Louis van Gaal’s provisional 30-man squad for last summer’s World Cup, but withdrew three days before the final squad were to be named because of a calf injury.

Former boss Guus Hiddink and current Netherlands manager Danny Blind both continued to ignore him, but Van der Vaart has not lost hope of playing for his country again.
 


Speaking to ELF Voetbal, the 32-year-old said: “I will certainly never say goodbye to the Oranje.”

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Van der Vaart joined Real Betis on a free transfer this summer and is already looking forward to extending his career into his 40s.

The attacking midfielder said that he might consider moving to Italy in the future to add a few more years to his playing career.

Van der Vaart continued: “You know what? I am going to play into my 40s.

“Juan Carlos Valeron is here, playing some tasty football for La Palmas at 40; I want it too. You will soon have to carry me off the field.

“In the Italian league there is always room for older players. For example, Luca Toni is still playing [at Verona].”

Van der Vaart is yet to make his debut for Real Betis this season.