Weghorst sends message to Xavi after being left out of Netherlands squad

Veteran Dutch striker Wout Weghorst has sent a message to Xavi, the new head coach of the Netherlands, after being left out of the initial squad for the upcoming international break.

Xavi has announced his first squad since taking charge of the Netherlands national team, including 26 players and first-time call-ups for Ruud van Bommel and Jeffrey Zeegelaar. The squad sees the absence of several names who were present with the team at the last FIFA World Cup, including Memphis Depay, Marten de Roon, Guus Til, and Wout Weghorst, alongside the injured Frenkie de Jong.

Wout Weghorst, the 34-year-old forward from Twente, spoke about his exclusion in comments reported by RTV Oost, saying: "The preliminary lists have been known for a while, and I have already seen that my name was not on them."

He added: "I gave everything I had in recent weeks, but I am not on the list. I felt that already. In the FIFA World Cup, I had a feeling that this could be my last chance. While taking the penalty against Morocco, I felt that it might be my last ball with the national team."

Despite being excluded, Wout Weghorst confirmed that he is not closing the door on a return to the Netherlands national team in the future, saying: "I will never refuse an opportunity to play for the national team. It is a great honor to represent your country. I know that I have proven my worth, and if they decide to fill that position differently now, that is their decision. I will be available at all times."

The Dutch forward concluded with a direct message to Xavi, saying: "They may miss me a lot soon, or maybe not. In that case, it would be a good sign that our country is performing very well, and that we could achieve great success in the future."