of Portsmouth supporters lamented this decision and loss of their former captain, who had a very consistent season with Wigan at the heart of their defence, helping them to a better-than-expected mid-table finish and even received praise from then Prime Minister Tony Blair. De Zeeuw is considered by many to be an excellent example of professionalism in the modern game. He refused to retaliate after El Hadji Diouf spat in his face during a match at the Reebok Stadium in November 2004. His response was to score the winning goal in Portsmouth's 1–0 victory. In Wigan's second Premiership season, he struggled to get a regular first team place due to a series of injuries and was released by the club on 17 May 2007. Whilst at Wigan he started in the 2006 Football League Cup Final. In a poll to celebrate the centenary of the Professional Footballers' Association fans voted De Zeeuw to be the best player of all time for Wigan Athletic. In June 2007, it was announced that De Zeeuw had signed a one-year contract with Coventry City. During pre-season training, a freak accident left the defender sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks. He made his debut against Bristol City on 15 September 2007. It was announced towards the end of the 2007–08 season that De Zeeuw would be one of eight first team players whose contracts would not be renewed. His season was hampered by injury and lack of form leading to new manager Chis Coleman decided he was surplus to requirements. In 2009, he signed with ADO'20. Post football career Following his retirement in 2009, De Zeeuw began working as an investigative detective in Alkmaar, specialising in forensics and stating PCR was among his most loved techniques. Career statistics Honours Individual PFA Team of the Year: 2000–01 Second Division, 2001–02 Second Division References External links Arjan de Zeeuw tribute at Wigan Athletic official website Arjan de Zeeuw player profile at ccfc.co.uk Sunday Times article 31 January, 2010 1970 births Living people People from Castricum Dutch police officers De Zeeuw Dutch footballers Dutch expatriate footballers De Zeeuw De Zeeuw De Zeeuw De Zeeuw De Zeeuw SC Telstar players University of Amsterdam alumni ADO '20 players Association football defenders Dutch expatriate sportspeople in England Footballers from North Holland