Retired goalkeeper, Edwin Van der Sar, set for surprise return to football

Former Manchester United goalkeeper, Edwin Van der Sar, will be making a sensationally return to football, five years after quitting the game.

Van der Sar, 45, ended a 31-year-old career in 2011 at Old Trafford – after a highly successful career which saw him make over 600 club appearances for Ajax, Juventus, Fulham and United.

The Dutchman will be returning to the pitch for his boyhood side, VV Noordwijk, on Saturday afternoon – same club he started his career.

Noordwijk is a fourth division Dutch side, founded in 1933, with an average spectator of 500.

Regular goalkeeper, Mustafa Amezrine, sustained a knee injury during a recent match which has left the club short on options, and has led to the Van der Sar answering the call.

Club director, Pieter Vink, revealed that the country’s most capped player has always stayed in contact with officials and his close relationship meant he was never going to turn down the opportunity.

“Edwin still has a place in his heart for Noordwijk and is still here regularly,” Vink told reporters.

“We asked him about his availability and after a moment’s reflection he accepted. We are happy that he wants to help us.”

Van der Sar, behind Vitor Baias, is the second most decorated goalkeeper in history with two Champions League, eight domestic titles at Ajax and United, UEFA and Super Cups among others.