Streller: I want to quit!

Despite the euphoria in the Swiss camp prior to Euro 2008 something was said and done that was sufficient to divide the Swiss public.

Marco Streller, the veteran striker, with 11 goals in the 26 games he played for the Nati is fed up with the constant derision and insults he receives in every Swiss stadium other than Basel (he’s a FC Basel player currently).

Certainly not a charismatic player, certainly a provoker but also the one who scored one of the two away goals that granted Switzerland a spot at the German World Cup at the expense of Turkey.

The 1.95m striker stated, following the game against Liechtenstein: “I can’t play this way any longer. After Euro 2008 my international career will be over”.

Captain Alexander Frei, who was offered an assist by Streller, was evidently angry at this mistreatment of his companion in attack: “It’s a shame. Switzerland is preparing a European Championship at home and facing the last friendly before the competition starts, and one of its own players is treated this way by his own public. I’m very disappointed, this would never happen in Germany or in Turkey”.

When Streller left the pitch at the 59th minute he received the usual treatment and this led to his fit of exasperation in front of the german-speaking Swiss cameras.

The contempt for Basel in other Swiss cities apparently is also extended to its players when they play for the Swiss National Team. However, why is Streller seen this way and Derdiyok like a young starlet?

Ottmar Hitzfeld will need to use all of his experience and charisma to convince the Basel striker to not abandon the Nati. We shall have an answer after the European Championship. Let’s hope a possible Swiss victory will convince Streller to stay. We don’t have that many strikers to spare.