DE JONG NAMED NETHERLANDS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

The KNVB announced on Wednesday that former Netherlands international Nigel de Jong has been appointed technical director of the country’s football organisation.

De Jong will be in charge of monitoring the country’s national teams, as well as establishing and executing football-technical strategy at clubs around the country.

“I want to contribute to the improvement of Dutch elite football for men and women,” he stated in a statement on Wednesday. “The Netherlands has always aspired to be at the top of the world. That goal is justified by the talent we have now and our history.

“Working in professional football necessitates specialized knowledge and expertise. “I’ve gained this in my years as a player at numerous clubs in the Netherlands and overseas, and I can utilize it now,” De Jong added.

The 38-year-old has represented his country 81 times as well as Ajax Amsterdam, Hamburger SV, Manchester City, AC Milan, LA Galaxy, and Galatasaray.