Wesley Sneijder was given a unique send-off at the end of his final Netherlands appearance on Thursday, watching messages from former teammates and managers in a makeshift living room constructed in the middle of the Johan Cruyff Arena pitch.
The surreal tribute occurred at the end of Netherlands’ 2-1 friendly victory over Peru in Amsterdam, during which Sneijder had captained the team onto the pitch and received a standing ovation from the crowd when he was substituted in the 62nd minute.
Sneijder, still wearing his Netherlands kit, sat on a sofa along with his wife Yolanthe and two children watching the pre-recorded tributes on a TV set up in front of them.
It was a fittingly emotional end to the former Real Madrid and Inter playmaker’s 134th appearance for the Netherlands, cementing his status as his country’s most capped player.
Dutch fans paid their own tributes to Sneijder, chanting and holding up banners honouring him throughout the game as well as slapping their heads during the post-match ceremony in reference to his celebration when he scored a headed winner against Brazil in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
After the match, Sneijder said of his farewell: “It's everything. I enjoyed every second on the pitch.
“My feelings... I know now that it's all over, but I'm also very happy to have the chance to show myself just one more time. I was able to say goodbye in this wonderful way.”
Two goals from Memphis Depay secured victory for the Netherlands, who trailed when Pedro Aquino headed in from a corner in the 13th minute.
Sneijder believes the Lyon winger will go on to inherit his status as talisman of the national side.
“I symbolically handed over my jersey to Memphis,” Sneijder said. “He got my final Dutch jersey.
“He showed everyone how good he is at the moment. I hope he continues in this way. We’re going to enjoy him in the Dutch team.”
