At that moment I thought I could take on the whole world. Almost nine years ago I first entered the Dutch national team, I was just seventeen. For years it has gone through ups and downs. Nowadays it is a lot more normal to have a psychologist at a club and the Dutch national team, but I also don't think we dare to be completely honest yet. Mental problems should not be associated with weakness. If you indicate that you need help, a coach will always look at you in a certain way. “There is progress, but it is not yet how it should be. I also play football for my teammates and for my family and friends. I feel that responsibility when I'm on the field. I am not only there to make myself happy, I am also an example for the new generation. Yet I often have the feeling that I mainly play football for others. This is what I chose, what I've always wanted. ![]() We can be happy that we get paid and can only focus on football. Although I am lived, I do not see it as work. ![]() I felt that in my body, but also mentally. After the Olympic Games in Tokyo, we hardly had a holiday. We've had many double weeks of play, had matches on Wednesday and Sunday, been on the road non-stop. This year, for the first time, we have had a different Champions League format with a group stage. Sometimes I miss the opportunity and freedom to do other things. Laughing: “I would say: football is fun when the sun is shining, but then I'm lying, because I like rain on the pitch.
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