De Jong sets sights on Euro glory

Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong says the Netherlands are determined to win Euro 2012.

The 27-year-old was part of the Netherlands team which lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, and believes Bert van Marwijk’s men have the talent to ensure victory in Poland and Ukraine.

“We know the strength of the team. We must have a soul and a purpose. We need to win this title,” the midfielder told Eredivisie Live.

Fresh from lifting the English Premier League title with City, De Jong claims he is now focused on achieving further success at international level.

“I now feel better within the camp, but my focus is now on the Dutch national team,” he said.

Meanwhile, versatile AC Milan player Urby Emanuelson expressed his disappointment at not being picked to go to Euro 2012 despite an injury to Erik Pieters’ injury.

“He (Van Marwijk) indicated I was not in the picture for the left-back position. I had, in his opinion, not played enough in the last two-and-a-half years,” Emanuelson told NuSport.

“I came short of (Wesley) Sneijder, (Rafael) van der Vaart and (Ibrahim) Afellay (for the attacking midfielder position). Now I know at least what the reason is, and where I should focus on.

“Of course I still regret that I did not have the chance. It was an enlightening conversation and softens the disappointment. I now empty my head and go on vacation.”

The Netherlands begin their preparations with a series of friendlies, starting against Bulgaria next Saturday. Van Marwijk’s men face Denmark in their Group B opener on June 9.