Dirk Kuyt retires from international football

Dirk Kuyt has retired from international football after making 104 appearances and scoring 24 goals for the Netherlands, including playing at three World Cups and two European Championships. The 34-year-old Fenerbahce star on Friday said he took the decision because he believes he would spend too much time on the bench under new coach Guus Hiddink. [caption id=“attachment_1741639” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File picture of Dirk Kuyt. Reuters[/caption] In a statement posted on the Dutch Soccer Association website, Kuyt says “I can’t see myself putting a lot of effort into Oranje and not playing much.” He added: “I can look back with enormous pride on 10 wonderful years in the Netherlands team.” Kuyt was a utility player known for his tireless running on the pitch. He played in midfield, attack and, at the World Cup in Brazil, even in defense. AP