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Real Madrid Benefit From Dutch Ruud Awakening

Andrew McNair

Senior Writer Written on August 05, 2008

Ruud Van Nistelrooy has announced his immediate retirement from International football.

The 64 times capped Holland International has made the decision in order to prolong his club career.

Very Alan Shearer of him!

However, what makes this story interesting for me is that the Real Madrid striker is currently leveled with Johan Cruyff on 33 international goals.

Wouldn't you fancy beating that?!?

We all know that Ruud is quite the intellectual and has made an informed decision about his own career. And, of course, it was a personal decision.

It's just one I don't get.

The 32-year-old played his last game for Holland in their Euro 2008 defeat to surprise package Russia.

The Dutch will miss the goal machine in their upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign against the likes of Scotland, Norway, and Macedonia.

A few goals there I would have thought?

As a Scot, though, I'll shut up here. I'd obviously rather he stayed on 33 goals than get the 34th at Hampden!

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written on August 05, 2008 Opinion

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