Former Football League stalwart Van Veen opens up about difficult personal life | OneFootball

Last year, Kevin van Veen appeared in court in Glasgow on suspicion of domestic violence. On Friday evening, the striker made his return to football. The 34-year-old now dons the shirt of FC Eindhoven and appeared in his new side’s 3-1 defeat at MVV Maastricht.

With the issues in his personal life, it’s been a difficult time for the former Northampton Town and Scunthorpe United striker. However, after a stint in Scotland, the Dutchman has found refuge in the sport he loves back in his home country – as reports from De Telegraaf have reflected.

Of course, it’s worth explaining the allegations that Van Veen has faced, and still vehemently denies. He was accused, among other things, of pushing his pregnant ex-partner off their bed.

Speaking to the ESPN crew after the Maastricht game, Van Veen looked back at his time in the football wilderness. “I’ve been depressed in bed for a long time and haven’t been outside for a long time. I’m personally very happy to be here now, and I think my family is too, because everyone was worried.”

Last summer, FC Groningen terminated Van Veen’s contract. The northern club had acquired him from Scottish club Motherwell in the summer of 2023 and later loaned him out first to Kilmarnock and then to St. Mirren. The latter club terminated the loan.

“Hopefully I can start scoring again and be on the pitch with a smile,” said Van Veen. “I still have some things to deal with privately, so hopefully that will be fine.

“If I didn’t have my daughter, I don’t know if I’d still be standing here. Now, standing here in an Eindhoven shirt, as an Eindhoven boy, still breathing, I’m happy and proud that I didn’t give up.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield