I just wanted to become world champion with the Netherlands Salomon Kalou

Salomon Kalou has appealed to the Dutch immigration minister about the handling of his bid for Dutch citizenship ahead of the World Cup.

The 20-year-old Feyenoord striker, who was born in the Ivory Coast, said in a letter published in De Telegraaf newspaper on Friday that he regretted the legal battle he and Rita Verdonk were now embroiled in.

Although Kalou admitted his club football form has suffered as a result of the uncertainty surrounding his ability to join the Dutch team for the World Cup finals, he vowed not to back down in his fight for citizenship.

"Up to now I have declined to comment in the media, but after everything which has been written and said I felt I had to react myself," wrote Kalou.

Verdonk, known in the Netherlands for her tough stance on immigration, had turned down a fast-track request for Dutch nationality.

But she has been compelled to reconsider Kalou's application by the end of next week, following a court order ordering her to do so.

Dutch high court backs Kalou

Verdonk told parliament on Thursday, however, that Kalou did not fulfil the criteria for fast-track citizenship and would therefore have to retake a Dutch language and culture test in May, which he has already failed once.

She also said he had lived in the country for only three years, short of the five-year term normally required to qualify for a Dutch passport.

Kalou said he could live with dropping out of the national squad on the grounds of his performance but it was harder to live with all the fuss in the courts, the media and parliament.

"My game has also suffered, something which makes me feel bad for my bosses at Feyenoord, the supporters and my team mates."

"Dutch citizenship won't make me a better person or a better footballer and will not influence my sporting future in any way.

"I just wanted to become world champion with the Netherlands - that was my main goal," he said.

Kalou rejected several invitations to join the Ivory Coast national squad last year, even though his brother Bonaventure is a key player in the side.

Ivory Coast have also qualified for the World Cup and will face the Netherlands in a Group C game in Stuttgart on 16 June. Argentina and Serbia & Montenegro are also in the group.