Arjen Robben has admitted that he is "grateful" for the response from Netherlands supporters after bowing out of international action following the 2-0 win against Sweden.
The Bayern Munich winger confirmed at full time that he is to quit duty with the one-time European champions, marking his last appearance with a couple of goals at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Victory for the Netherlands was not enough to earn a top-two finish in Group A qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, meaning that the Oranje will miss out on successive major finals for the first time in more than three decades.
Asked about the reception he received in Amsterdam, Robben told reporters: "That was wonderful. I'm so grateful. I've played here for 14 years. I've witnessed so many wonderful things. If it's so well appreciated by the Dutch fans, then I can only be grateful.
"If you're at school, children who play football, you give everything to win. If you don't succeed, that's a huge disappointment. Then it's okay to be sad, but better times are coming."
Netherlands finished third in their qualifying group, level on points with Sweden but with an inferior goal difference.
Daniel Lewis
