De Jong unapologetic for poor Dutch

Midfielder Nigel de Jong feels there is no need for Netherlands players to say sorry after their disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.

The Dutch started the tournament as one of the favourites, but stumbled at the first hurdle when they lost to Denmark, Germany and Portugal in their three Group B games.

Nevertheless, Manchester City’s de Jong insists the players did their utmost at the European Championship, and have no reason to feel remorse.

“No, I don’t think we should offer our apologies. We all went out on the pitch with the intention to win,” de Jong told NUsport.

“Losing is part of football, too. You have to be able to see things in perspective. You only apologise if you’ve done something with a bunch of friends that you shouldn’t have done. Or when you’re having an argument with your wife.

“You don’t have to apologise for losing a game. Things like that simply happen. We all did our best.”

Netherlands will return to action on August 15 when they take on Belgium in an international friendly.