BIG DUTCH MAN

Last updated : 19 September 2005 By editor

Here is the United bit:

‘What are your memories of playing Manchester United last season?

Looking back on last season, I really enjoyed coming up against Manchester United in the Champions' League. I was gutted to miss the game at Old Trafford but it was satisfying to play in Milan's win at the San Siro.

Were you particularly keen to beat them, having left United in such haste in the summer of 2002?

A lot was made of my reunion with United because of my sudden exit from the club, but I received a really friendly welcome from everybody when I saw them. It was great to catch up with some old friends, and everyone I spoke to was really positive towards me. I didn't get a chance to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson but that wasn't deliberate. Our situation is water under the bridge now, and we've both gone on to enjoy further success in our respective careers since going our separate ways. I wish him luck for the future.

Do you regret writing your book (which some thought was the catalyst for his departure)?

I don't regret writing my book at all. I wrote it for the United supporters to give them a proper insight into what it is like inside the club, and what it is like to be a Manchester United player. I think I did that in an honest way. It was never my intention to upset anyone and I don't think I was brutal to anyone anyway. I just spoke in a way that footballers talk and all of the players knew that and as far as I know they thought it was a fair and honest book. The English press spun it in a different way, of course! I have always been a Manchester United supporter since I was a child, so that won't change. I still follow their results and wish them every success for the future. I still have many friends in Manchester, so the club will always feel very close to me.’