Real Madrid Striker Ruud van Nistelrooy Targets World Cup Place

Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has told Spanish publication Marca that he would relish the opportunity of playing for the Netherlands at next year's World Cup in South Africa.

The Dutch striker said that he hasn't forgotten how to score goals and will always seek to push himself before adding that he has a new challenge: "Playing at the World Cup."

Van Nistelrooy, who has bagged 33 goals in 64 internationals, including 26 goals in 37 competitive outings for the Oranje, announced his retirement from international football for the second time after Euro 2008.

His only previous involvement at the World Cup Finals was in Germany in 2006 where he was restricted to a substitutes role, scoring once against the Ivory Coast.

He also said that he could play "an important role" in the current Madrid squad, which he described as the best he has ever been involved in.

"Physically I am a new person, I feel three years younger," said van Nistelrooy who has returned to fitness after a nine month absence due to a knee injury.

"This [Madrid] team is the best I've been at in my life. I can prove to be important."