Van Bommel: “Call Me Up, Dad”

The Bayern ace had withdrawn from the Oranje in the autumn of 2006, citing personal differences with the boss. But the tide has turned in the past few weeks.

Van Basten will step down at the end of the European Championship and Bert van Marwijk will take over on July 1. Married to Van Marwijk’s daughter, Andra, the 30-year-old central midfielder has now made himself available for selection again.

“It’s up to the coach to select me. After the European Championship my father-in-law will be the coach. That offers no guarantee, but I have said that I am available.” the former PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona man said ahead of Bayern’s UEFA Cup visit to Anderlecht, on Thursday.

On February 24 the U-23 boss, Foppe de Haan, had said that Van Bommel could be selected for the Olympics squad if he became available again and was not called up by Van Basten. However, Bayern have excluded that possibility, as the German season will be under way by the time of the Beijing games.