Seedorf honored by Dutch ambassador in Rome

ROME (AP)  AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has been named a Knight in the Order of Orange Nassau, bestowed by the Netherlands for his services to football and charity work.

Alphonsus Staelinga, the Dutch ambassador to Italy, presented Seedorf with the honor in a ceremony on Thursday that was also attended by Milan president and Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi.

Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs — Ajax in 1995, Real Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007.

In 2005, Seedorf founded the not-for-profit Champions for Children foundation.

Asked if he might retire at the end of this season, the 35-year-old Seedorf declined, saying he remains motivated and fit.

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