This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl
Ever since John de Jong announced he would retire from the game because of persistent injury problems, he has received a great many text messages and telephone calls from former team mates. De Jong said he is moved by the many expressions of sympathy and support made by PSV fans on internet forums.
'I have received a large amount of text messages and my mobile phone was constantly ringing', said De Jong, who paid a brief visit to the Philips Stadium on Wednesday. Former team mates and good friends and acquaintances from the world of football have got in touch with me: Jan Vennegoor, Arnold Bruggink, André Ooijer, Mark van Bommel, Ronald Waterreus, Wilfred Bouma, Mitchell van der Gaag, Michael Mols, Alphons Groenendijk and singer Guus Meeuwis. I am getting so many calls that I may not even be able to remember all of them. There were also people whom I met during my spells at FC Utrecht and ADO Den Haag who took the trouble to send me warm expressions of sympathy and support. There was even a fan who has written a poem about me! I have already come to terms with retiring from the game, but I would like to thank everybody for their terrific support', said De Jong, who will hold talks with the PSV management about a position with PSV. De Jong will be at De Herdgang training ground on Thursday to meet the coaching staff and the squad.
