 Kalou wants to play for Holland instead of Ivory Coast |
Feyenoord's Ivory Coast-born striker Salomon Kalou has received support from Marco Van Basten in his quest for Dutch citizenship. Van Basten, who is coaching Holland at next year's World Cup finals, told a Dutch court that Kalou will be a valuable addition to the team he is taking to Germany.
"Salomon has exceptional skills and qualities," Van Basten was quoted as saying.
"If he is granted a Dutch passport, he will make a huge difference for our World Cup team."
Kalou was appealing a government decision not to speed up the process of granting him Dutch nationality.
Under tough immigration laws, a foreigner must work for five consecutive years in Holland before applying for citizenship.
Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk has twice refused to hasten Kalou's citizenship application, arguing Kalou will move to a bigger European club once he is granted citizenship.
Kalou, who joined Feyenoord in 2003 at the age of 17, has to wait until 9 December for a final court ruling on his citizenship bid.
MMIX
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