Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar receives Dutch royal order
June 5th, 2010 - 7:47 pm ICT by BNO NewsAMSTERDAM (BNO NEWS) — Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar received a Dutch royal order before the start of a training match between the Netherlands and Hungary on Saturday, the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) said.
Van der Sar, 39, was named Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau, a Dutch national order of chivalry. VWS Minister Ab Klink noted that he has been a world class goalkeeper for more than 20 years.
“Ajax, Juventus, Fulham and Manchester United have greatly benefited from this,” the Ministry said in a brief statement. “Van der Sar has also supported the Dutch national team for some 15 years.”
The famed goalkeeper received a final farewell from his Dutch fans during the friendly training match between the Netherlands and Hungary. Van der Sar recently signed a new one-year deal to play for Manchester United next season, but also turned down an offer from Dutch head coach Bert van Maarwijk to take the number one spot for the country during the World Cup in South Africa.
Besides being a goalkeeper, Van der Sar is also an Ambassador of the “Make A Wish” foundation, an organization for children with a life-threatening illness.
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- Van Marwijk includes uncapped Willems, Narsingh in Euro 2012 squad - May 27, 2012
- Ferguson expects Van der Sar to retire at end of season - Dec 26, 2010
- Fergie ready to offer Dutch keeper role in Man U management - Dec 10, 2010
- Man U star Edwin Van Der Sar to hang up his gloves in May - Jan 28, 2011
- Van der Sar says will not back down on decision to retire - Mar 13, 2011
- Alex Ferguson won't blame goalkeeper for draw - Oct 17, 2010
- Rooney asks Van der Sar to put off retirement plans - Mar 14, 2011
- Van Der Sar agrees to new one-year contract to stay at Man U - Feb 21, 2010
- Coach gets it wrong as goalkeeper admits to mistake - Jul 07, 2010
- Liverpool keeper Reina ready to join Man U - Feb 08, 2011
- Ferguson increases efforts to get David De Gea - Apr 19, 2011
- ManU goalie 64 minutes away from setting a new goal less world record - Feb 18, 2009
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