Van Nistelrooy targets World Cup place after injury

Ruud van Nistelrooy wants to return to international football and goes to a place in the Netherlands squad for World Cup finals 2010, the Real Madrid striker said on Thursday.

Van Nistelrooy has announced his retirement from the international scene after Euro 2008 saying he wanted to concentrate on his club career, but the 33-year-old, who returns to action nine months after undergoing surgery on his right knee, it has had a change of heart.

"I want to be important for Real Madrid and I think I can be. This is my goal," said sports daily Marca. "I could have gone to another club with less pressure, but I know that I am able. Also, I want to fight for the national team and I call for you to play in the World Cup...[source]