“I don’t want to play for him anymore” Steven Bergwijn responds to Ronald Koeman criticism after latter banished star for joining Saudi Pro League

Steven Bergwijn has sent a bold and scathing response to Ronald Koeman after the latter banished him from the Dutch National team.

“I don’t want to play for him anymore” Steven Bergwijn responds to Ronald Koeman criticism after latter banished star for joining Saudi Pro League

Steven Bergwijn has responded to Ronald Koeman after his comments on the former (Via BBC and X/@centregoals)

Ronald Koeman set social media ablaze a few weeks ago when Steven Bergwijn made the decision to move to the Saudi Pro League. The 26-year-old joined Al-Ittihad from Ajax on a deal that sees him earn significantly more than with the Dutch outfit. Following Koeman’s ‘harsh’ comments on the same, Bergwijn has responded to his National team manager.

In a recent interaction with the press, Bergwijn called out Koeman. He said that the manager shouldn’t have acted in such a way and portrayed him in a negative light. Bergwijn also stated that he has no plans to return to the National team, at least until Ronald Koeman is still in charge. The player’s response has added fuel to the fire in a debate centred around passion over money.

YouTube video
I don't even want to play for Koeman anymore. He could've called me and heard my side of the story. How can he say such things without even talking to me?
Steven Bergwijn told the press via The Guardian

Koeman lambasted Bergwijn for choosing a big money move at the young age of 26. Moreover, the manager ‘banished’ the former Ajax player from playing for the national team. 

FS Video

After joining Ajax from Tottenham Hotspur back in 2022, the forward will now don the No. 34 for Al-Ittihad. Fans have backed the player to succeed at his new club.

RELATED
Valencia star Rafa Mir ARRESTED in Spain under alleged se*ual assault
Rafa Mir

Bergwijn outlines why he ‘really’ chose the Saudi Pro League

Professional footballers have several reasons to join Middle East clubs. First and foremost, the contracts offered by Saudi clubs are seldom matched by those in Europe. Lucrative contracts coupled with the fact that they get to play in a fast-growing League lure several players from Europe. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez, several big names ply their trade in the SPL.

Steven Bergwijn
Steven Bergwijn looks forward to playing with Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante (Via GOAL)

Bergwijn recently went on the record to clarify his motives of joining the League. 

Of course I'll improve financial wise gigantically. But it's interesting from a sportive perspective too. I get to play with Benzema, Kante, Fabinho, Diaby and Pereira. I'm excited.
Steven Bergwijn told De Telegraaf

Bergwijn has joined Al-Ittihad on a deal worth $21 million, where he will play under Laurent Blanc.

The 26-year-old will earn an annual salary of €9 million during his three-year stay in Saudi. As for the Netherlands, a game against Bosnia & Herzegovina beckons in the UEFA Nations League. They will also face a difficult encounter against Germany on the 11th of September before the close of the International break.

In case you missed it: