Former Ajax players on the move

September 3rd, 2010 | by: Jan | Comments(58)

Clarence Seedorf wants to win the Scudetto again in Italy. The start of the Rossoneri is impressive. Lecce was pulverized and the top attackers Ibrahimovic and Robinho were added to the mix as well.

And there’s more good news for Seedorf. The Champions League draw means that he can look forward to two games against former employers: Ajax and Real Madrid. “This is a tremendous draw for me. Auxerre was my first European opponent in Ajax 1. I won the CL with Ajax and I won it with Real Madrid. I’m going back home twice, that’s how it feels. Amsterdam is my city, just like Madrid. As far as I’m concerned, the Champions League can start now!”.

Seedorf thinks Ajax is a tough contender. “I remember the Ajax in 1995, when Milan was also the favorite and Van Gaal came to San Siro with unknowns. This Ajax is pretty good too. If players like Suarez, Van der Wiel and De Jong get it going, they are tough to play. Suarez is really dangerous. I watched him at the World Cup and he’s is world class. Martin Jol is also a very serious coach, who can create strong, good playing teams. It will be interesting.”

AC Milan wants to return to the top. “The desire is tremendous. Inter was the boss in Italy and Europe and we want to give them a run for their money. I love the fact that Zlatan comes. And I’m really happy with Allegri as our new coach.”

Clarence is looking forward to the cooperation with Zlatan. “I’ve got a good rapport with him. He’s going to show his worth here. He’s done that everywhere he went. Top class, and it will always shine through.”

With Huntelaar gone, Seedorf misses a fellow country man. “Well, I do feel Italian as well, I’ve been here quite some time now and most players and teams are internationally focused. It’s sad for Klaas Jan, he never got a real go under Leonardo, but that’s football. He was important, as any benchwarmer is, and he has demonstrated his quality. He will continue to dazzle I’m sure. Schalke 04 really wanted him and that’s important. Also, I think he will shine in Oranje in the next years. Klaas Jan was a great colleague to play with an highly gifted. He’ll do fine.”

Huntelaar left AC Milan to play for Schalke 04. The striker wants to become a leading player in the Bundesliga. “I want to show the fans what I’m capable of. It’s time I live up to my reputation.”

Huntelaar is happy with his move. “I’m very grateful. Schalke is a top club with a tremendous stadium. My first impressions are really good. I have always been an admirer of the Bundesliga. The play is topnotch and the fans are passionate. The Bundesliga is getting bigger and bigger.”

The former Ajax striker: “My wish is to play football and with Felix Magath I’m sure Schalke has a coach who wants to explore attacking, creative football. He’s quite an impressive man.”

Huntelaar didn’t come for the bench. “My mates tell me I’m an experienced bench warmer, haha, but no… I think my experience at Madrid and Milan made me a more complete and stronger striker. I want to play and score goals.”

Huntelaar signed for three year. The 27 year old cost Schalke 13 mio euros.

Another Ajax player on the move. Rafael van der Vaart signed for Tottenham Hotspur for four seasons. The 27 year old is delighted. “Four season the EPL, Spurs…White Hart Lane… That’s something, eh? They paid eleven million euros, those amounts keep on dazzling me… I still can hardly believe it, and I’ll play CL football in Holland too!”

With Madrid, Van der Vaart would have played Ajax in the Champions League. “Yes, that’s a bummer. I would have liked that, but playing Twente is cool as well… The interest of Tottenham came late. But they clearly wanted me and I really wanted to play football again. Last year, I had to fight to get on the gamesheet and I did. I expected a bit more support this season but it seemed we were going in the same direction this season and sometimes you have to simply accept that you can’t win the battle. If I can play football with Tottenham every week, I’m a lucky man. It’s a wonderful competition, a great club, a tremendous stadium and fanbase… I can not complain.”

“If I look at my resume I have done well. Ajax, Hamburger SV, Real Madrid and Tottenham. Not a bad list, eh? I’ve played well in three European competitions, now we’ll see if I can do it in England too. I love English football, but whether I can play in England…? Time will tell. I do believe a good player can play good anywhere. I’m proud.”