Having been named in coach Marco van Basten's provisional selection for this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland, the AC Milan midfielder decided to reject the call-up - a choice he described as "very painful".

The 32-year-old claims to be unhappy with his role in the squad and revealed he has not felt comfortable since returning to the Oranje scene in November 2006.

Prior to that, Seedorf had been repeatedly left out of the Dutch squad and had not been selected since the European Championships in Portugal in June 2004.

Van Basten was reportedly unhappy with Seedorf's habit of underperforming at critical times for Holland and left him out in the international wilderness for more than two years.

He was brought back after making a strong start to the 2006/07 season with Milan and, although he was regularly selected thereafter, he played just 10 games - five as a substitute - without scoring.

His inability to accept the fact he has been a bit-part player under Van Basten has seemingly contributed to his decision to withdraw from the squad,

"Since my return to the Dutch national team there has never been a situation in which I felt the conditions were good for me," Seedorf told De Volkskrant.

"I cannot excel as the team player I want to be. It is a painful decision for me which I have thought about for months.

"It was especially difficult towards my team-mates and the fans who have stood close by me."

While some believe this decision will end Seedorf's Holland career, the midfielder is hoping for a fresh start with the national team once Bert van Marwijk replaces Ajax-bound Van Basten in July, and has not ruled out helping the team qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

"I stand fully behind this choice and I know this is the best outcome under these circumstances," said Seedorf.

"I understand this might mean I never play again at a tournament of this level. That's why I thought for so long.

"I must admit I hope I can help the team further in the future, looking towards World Cup 2010."

Van Basten admitted he was taken aback by Seedorf's decision but respected his choice.

"I was surprised by his announcement," Van Basten said.

"I have told Clarence that I have much respect for him as a person and as a football player. But his decision was not going to be reversed."