Wesley Sneijder, the Netherlands’ most-capped player, has retired from international football.

The 33-year-old, who plays for Qatari side Al-Gharafa, made his debut in 2003 and went ahead to play 133 games.

Midfielder Sneijder settled on the choice to hang his boots after a talk with Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman.

“I understand that Koeman wants a fresh start with younger players. I respect his decision,” Sneijder said.

Sneijder outperformed Edwin van der Sar as the Netherlands’ most-capped player in June 2017 in his 131st appearance for the Orange Army.

He was a key memeber of the side that reached the finals of the World Cup 2010, where the Dutch were beaten 1-0 by the Spaniards in South Africa.

The former Inter Milan midfielder last played for the Dutch in their 3-0 triumph over Romania in November.

“Wesley is one of the best Dutch internationals in recent years, an amazing player with a great attitude,” Koeman said.

“But I want to build a new team and therefore have to make choices.”

An announcement from the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said they would discuss a possible coaching role with Sneijder once he had finished playing.