Van Bommel ready to make way

Mark van Bommel feels the time has come to say goodbye to the Netherlands’ national side after a disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.

The veteran midfielder and Dutch captain, who is set to return to PSV Eindhoven after his spell with AC Milan, stressed he would still be available for emergencies, but is ready to take a diminished role.

“The time has come to make way for younger players,” van Bommel said in a statement on the Royal Dutch Football Association website.

“We have some promising youngsters coming through and they now have to continue their development at the highest level.

“I don’t want to officially retire from international football. I will still be available if the coach needs me for some reason due to special circumstances. Oranje has always been very important to me.”

Van Bommel made his debut for the national side against Cyprus in October 2000,

and has made 79 appearances for Holland.