International swansong for Overmars

Holland winger Marc Overmars has announced he will retire from international football after Euro 2004.

The 31-year-old has decided it is time for the younger generation to come through and has joined Jaap Stam and Frank de Boer in opting to step down at the end of the tournament.

He told the Het Parool newspaper: “It is good for football and good for the people. The faces of the De Boers, (Edwin) van der Sar and Overmars are too well known.”

With his club career in the balance following his release from Barcelona, Overmars is determined to end his international career on a high.

“I still have value for this team,” he said before admitting he is relieved the tournament is only three weeks long as otherwise he may struggle with injuries.

“It would be a different story if the tournament was held for four months,” he added.