Vincent Janssen hopes that his transfer to Royal Antwerp FC will give him a place in the World Cup selection of the Dutch national team. The 28-year-old striker was presented at his new club on Monday.
Janssen made his comeback in Orange two weeks ago after five years. He was involved in the first two goals in the Nations League win against Wales (3-2).
National coach Louis van Gaal was satisfied with him, but also said that in the run-up to the World Cup in Qatar, Janssen has to compete with strikers such as Wout Weghorst, Luuk de Jong and Brian Brobbey.
“Of course I would like to go to the World Cup, but I have to prove myself,” said Janssen on Monday during his presentation in Antwerp, where he expects to be in the spotlight.
“I was immediately enthusiastic after the interest from Antwerp and have only become more enthusiastic. I am ready for this step and ready to play for the trophies. The club is ambitious and so am I.”
Vincent Janssen hopes to convince national coach Louis van Gaal in the near future.
Vincent Janssen hopes to convince national coach Louis van Gaal in the near future. Photo: Getty Images
‘I would like to be part of Antwerp’
Janssen feels that something is about to happen at Antwerp. “Everyone here has a lot of ambitions,” said the striker, who was taken over from the Mexican Monterrey, about the club of trainer Mark van Bommel and technical director Marc Overmars.
“I would like to be part of that. Since I left the Netherlands, I have grown as a football player and as a person. I am happy to be back in Europe.”
Paul Gheysens, the wealthy owner of Antwerp has big plans for the oldest professional club in Belgium. He has a lot of money left for a first national title since 1957. Toby Alderweireld seems to be the next target and the name of Dries Mertens has also been mentioned.