west ham united Star Crescencio Somerville has admitted he has let Suriname down a bit by focusing on playing for the Netherlands.
NU.nl covers West Ham forward's comments After a press conference with the Netherlands today. The 24-year-old is set to make his debut for the Dutch team in the coming weeks ahead of the World Cup.
netherland choice
In fact, Crescencio Somerville has never played for the Netherlands at senior level. He was set to do so in the last international break, before injury ended those plans.
The forward has remained focused on playing for the Netherlands, despite Suriname's efforts to get the forward to switch allegiance.
They are now managed by Dutch manager Henk ten Cate, who has had several successes in convincing Dutch players to switch allegiance. He talked to Somerville about doing the same. However, the West Ham star resisted all attempts.
It paid off for him as he is now heading towards the World Cup with Ronald Koeman and company. And he admits it meant disappointing Ten Cate and his Suriname team.
"I was in contact with Henk ten Cate earlier this year," he said.
"They were a little disappointed. But I strive for the highest possible goal. For me, that is the Dutch national team."
opinions are changing
Now the focus is on changing opinion about him in the Netherlands. There are still some doubts about the forward's attitude, which was questioned at Feyenoord.
He was and still is seen as a difficult character. However, Somerville never understood that label.
He said, "People used to say I was a difficult boy. These are opinions. You can't change that, although I have certainly become more mature in England."
exit west ham
The World Cup may not be the only big moment for him this summer. With West Ham relegated and in need of a sale, Crescencio Somerville is the first name on the list.
There are already clubs lining up to potentially lure him away from the London Stadium. Roma has been monitoring the situation for some time. Tottenham are also reportedly keen.
However, the first is the World Cup, where he may be able to generate even more interest with his performances.
