Feyenoord midfielder Givairo Zechiël arrives in Zeist

Feyenoord midfielder arrives in Zeist with club bag

Surprise international call-up follows club progression

Reflecting on his sudden ascent, Zechiël admitted that earning a call-up to the Netherlands squad was not initially on his radar. Speaking in an interview with Ziggo Sport, the midfielder explained that his primary focus remained firmly on his club development following his previous stint with FC Utrecht.

‘I wasn’t really busy with that,’ Zechiël said via Ziggo Sport. ‘Not expected. It wasn’t in my head, I have to make the Dutch national team. In my head it was mainly, after Utrecht I have to make a next step that is even better for my development. That has succeeded now at Feyenoord. That was mainly in my head. If you ultimately do well at a club like Feyenoord, you know that this comes with it.’

Intense transfer talks and near-move to LOSC Lille

The journey to locking down his spot in Rotterdam required surviving a turbulent transfer window. Earlier in the cycle, a move to French side LOSC Lille appeared close to materializing. Zechiël acknowledged that negotiations were intense, creating a challenging period at De Kuip.

‘It’s been a lot about Lille, but also a lot about Feyenoord,’ Zechiël noted. ‘I just wanted to play what was the best plan for me sporting-wise. At that moment, at the beginning, that honestly seemed like Lille. Had a difficult period with Feyenoord. Had some lesser conversations, but ultimately the staff, but also Dévy, kept me in it well. Been positive in the end. It came out more and more, more and more confidence on the pitch. Now at Feyenoord, which I am extremely happy with.’

Faith and focus through uncertain times

Faith played a central grounding role for the midfielder during the uncertainty. Rather than forcing a resolution, he chose to focus strictly on what he could control on the training pitch and during matches.

‘At one point I wanted to leave quite a bit,’ Zechiël explained. ‘As you know, I am religious, and it was in God’s hands. And I was just going to focus much more on the pitch. What do I have in my own hands? You don’t always have a transfer in your own hands. There are many more people involved than just you. I left it in God’s hands. I just tried to focus on the pitch. To do my thing on the pitch, in training sessions in the matches. I was able to prove myself in such a way that I was able to retain my place at Feyenoord.’

Direct encouragement from national coach Xavi Hernández

The turning point arrived when national team coach Xavi Hernández personally placed a phone call to the midfielder. According to Zechiël, the bondscoach delivered an encouraging message regarding his trajectory and capabilities.

‘That I am doing well,’ Zechiël said regarding the conversation with Xavi Hernández. ‘That he sees the potential. That he believes I can show myself here too.’

Stepping into the international environment

When Monday morning arrived and it was time to report to Zeist, Zechiël opted for absolute practicality over designer luggage, stepping out with his everyday club carrier. ‘I did have another bag, but nice and easy,’ Zechiël said. ‘Don’t make it difficult. Feyenoord bag.’ Despite the lighthearted entrance, the midfielder admitted he carried a small amount of nervous tension as he stepped into the international environment.