Football star Sepp van den Berg experienced an unexpected plot twist during his recent getaway to Morocco, revealing that he initially ignored a crucial phone call regarding a surprise call-up to the Netherlands national team because he was busy enjoying his holiday in Marrakech. The 24-year-old Brentford central defender was spending a few precious days off with his girlfriend when his phone began to ring with an incoming call from international staff.
Reflecting on the memorable incident in an interview with OnsOranje, Van den Berg admitted that his first instinct was simply to let the phone ring out. "I was in Marrakech, Morocco, on holiday with my girlfriend. I got a call in the morning, but I didn't pick up at first. I thought, 'I'm on holiday, nobody should be calling me,'" the defender explained with a smile. Fortunately, a follow-up text message quickly cleared up any confusion, prompting the shocked player to instantly return the call, arrange his flights, and pivot from vacation mode straight to international football duty.
From the Red City to Oranje Camp
The sudden transition from the tranquil ambiance of Morocco's iconic red city to the high-intensity atmosphere of the Dutch national team training camp proved to be a whirlwind experience. Van den Berg noted that the preceding 24 hours had been remarkably hectic. Having enjoyed just three days of rest before receiving the unexpected summons, the talented centre-back had very little time to decompress from his club commitments in England before jumping straight back into elite-level preparations.
Upon arriving at the Dutch camp, Van den Berg was warmly welcomed by familiar faces, including several former teammates from Jong Oranje (Netherlands Under-21s) and familiar opponents from his club career. Despite the fatigue of sudden travel, he immediately integrated into the squad's rigorous training schedule, stepping onto the pitch for what turned out to be one of the most demanding tactical sessions of the week.
A Boyhood Dream Realized After Moroccan Interlude
Describing the call-up as a massive honor and a quintessential boyhood dream, Van den Berg expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country at the senior level. While the abrupt end to his Moroccan holiday meant trading sunlit relaxation for tactical briefings and intense physical workouts, the defender emphasized that the fatigue was a small price to pay for such a prestigious milestone.
As the Dutch national team prepares for its upcoming fixtures, Van den Berg's unexpected journey from the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the heart of the Oranje defense has already added a uniquely entertaining chapter to his burgeoning professional career, proving that sometimes even an ignored phone call can lead to unforgettable footballing heights.
As reported by vi.nl.
