World Cup 2010

Playing For The Netherlands Is Important For Me - Ibrahim Afellay

The midfielder has made it clear that representing the Oranje is an honour for him...

Nov 11, 2009 3:58:13 PM

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Ibrahim Afellay, Netherlands (foto ANP)

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Ibrahim Afellay

PSV midfielder Ibrahim Afellay was forced to miss Holland's past couple of games due to injury, but the highly rated midfielder has returned to Bert van Marwijk's squad for the international friendly against Italy on Saturday.

"I am delighted to be back at the Oranje. It was extremely frustrating for me that injuries kept me out of the previous games," said Afellay to AD/Sportwereld.

"However, I'm fully match fit at the moment and I can only hope that I stay this fit for a while."

The midfielder also took the time to discuss his new role at PSV and Afellay made it clear that he's quite happy to play as a holding midfielder.

"My new role at the club asks more from me than before. I still show up in front of the opponents' goal, but I have way more defensive responsibilities. I also need to use physical strength more. People call me injury prone, but things are going quite well so far.

"It's best to describe me as an all around midfielder. I have played as attacking midfielder before, but I'm a holding midfielder now. We'll see what happens in the future," he concluded.

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com

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