Davy Klaassen is still in emotion when he thinks of Abdelhak Nouri. On a broadcast of Ajax TV The Ajax player is shown a joint photo during the Europa League success in 2017 and that brings out things in him.
“It’s difficult,” he replies. ‘I remember when I was gone and thought: on the one hand I would have loved to be here, but on the other hand it might have had even more impact. He always said to me: just let me know when you’re leaving, because then I’ll take over. I had a good relationship with him.’
Together, the two experienced the successful Europa League campaign with Ajax. Klaassen certainly does not see the final against Manchester United as a highlight today. “Making it is the pinnacle, but if you lose, I can’t look back with a good feeling. On that day there is no joy, because you go there to win.’
Klaassen also gets to see a photo of the debacle in Doetinchem, when Ajax failed to beat De Graafschap in 2016 and lost the title. “This is unnecessary and stupid. We played against De Graafschap and we don’t win. I was sick for a really long time. Still when I think about it,” said the veteran. ‘You’ve actually played all year for nothing. If you’re going to play at Ajax, you just have to become champion.’
‘You left at your top and you have to come back in at that level’
He is now richer in foreign adventures and a return to Ajax. He was overjoyed at his return, but also felt pressure. ‘You know that you actually have to show ten percent extra, because you left at your top and then you have to come back in at that level. Otherwise it will always be seen as: he’s not as good as he used to be. I was aware of that.’
Klaassen also indicates that he was soon convinced of the fact that he wanted to return, but it did not go very quickly. ‘I had been in contact with Marc (Overmars, ed.) for some time. Marc does that very well. He keeps a lot of contact with guys who leave. Between the time I had really talked to Marc about coming back for the first time and this moment (the return, ed.), there were about three weeks. At one point I was just thinking about this.’
