The AC Milan midfielder, who has 86 international caps, has been watching the tournament on holiday in Bali and revealed he did not want to be a bit-part player in Austria and Switzerland.

"If I had gone to Euro 2008 with the Oranje and only played a few minutes, troubles would have arisen," he told Nieuwe Revu magazine.

"I didn't want the squad to be divided into several camps. It was the right decision. My feelings told me that I couldn't do anything else."

Holland coach Marco van Basten, with whom Seedorf has had a chequered past, is to be replaced by Bert van Marwijk after the Euros and Seedorf has declared himself available.

"I hope that I can play a part for the Oranje next season," he added.

"That is of course because there is a new coach. It all depends on what he wants with Oranje, but I am ready for a return."