"Absurd" – Bournemouth star delighted at international return, but questions six-year gap

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Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert has shared his delight at returning for the Netherlands, insisting his absence was 'absurd'.

Voetbal International cover comments from the Bournemouth man today after he made his long-awaited return to the Netherlands squad.

The 25-year-old has been impressing at Bournemouth since joining in a €10.8m deal from AS Roma in July 2023.

The South Coast has proven to be a location he's been happy to stick around in after years of various loan deals around Europe after joining Roma in July 2018.

He's made it clear he's been delighted with the stability the club have provided him, and that delight has been increased this week as he made his international football.

He actually made his debut all the way back in 2018, featuring against Portugal and Peru in international friendlies. His struggles around Europe meant he didn't add to those appearances before then featuring in 1-1 draw against Bosnia on Tuesday.

That was a big moment for the Bournemouth man, and he's delighted, although he does think it's absurd that he was away for so long.

“Absurd, way too long ago,” he told ESPN when asked about the six-year gap.

"It is an honour to wear the shirt and hopefully I can wear it more often. I have now also made my starting debut, which I am really happy with.

“I think I deserved it. I’ve been through a lot in those six years that I wasn’t there. But I always believed in myself and never gave up hope.

"Those six years fly by; it seems like a short time ago. You can say that I am a different Justin Kluivert than I was six years ago. I knew I could do it. Just keep working hard, do well at the club and then you will get such opportunities."

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