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Former Manchester United and Bayern Munich defender Daley Blind announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday after 108 appearances for the Netherlands to make way for a “new generation of talented players”.
The 34-year-old coach reached the 2014 World Cup semi-finals and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals with the Netherlands, but lost to Argentina both times.
“A new generation of talented players is growing up and after a good conversation with the national team manager it is now time to devote myself fully to my club and family,” Blind said in a message on X.
“It’s been an honour to wear the Netherlands shirt 108 times and for me it’s the greatest achievement a player can achieve: representing your country,” added the defender.
Blind came through the Ajax youth system before eventually rising through the ranks to the first team and winning four consecutive Eredivisie titles with the Amsterdam-based Dutch giants.
In 2014, he moved to Manchester United, coached by Dutch manager Louis van Gaal, for £14 million (then $23 million, €17.7 million).
His time at United saw the club achieve FA Cup and Europa League success, but he returned to Ajax in 2018 and has seen the club win three Eredivisie trophies.
In January 2023, he signed for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, helping the team win the Bundesliga title before moving to Girona in the Spanish La Liga.
In 2019, Blind felt dizzy during a Champions League match and was diagnosed with inflammation of the muscles around his heart.
He was fitted with a defibrillator, which allowed him to continue his career.
“For 11 years I did everything I could to continue wearing that beautiful Oranje jersey. It gave me so many great moments. I cherish them all,” he wrote.
He made his debut in a friendly against Italy in 2013. His last appearance for the Netherlands was as a substitute against Romania at the 2024 European Championship.
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