'it is still painful that I no longer play for Ajax' - Daley Blind hurt by Ajax exit

Daley Blind speaks on his Ajax exit

'it is still painful that I no longer play for Ajax' - Daley Blind hurt by Ajax exit

Faruq Ibrahim 23:54 - 24.01.2023

Ex-Manchester United star Daley Blind speaks on his Ajax exit.

Bayern Munich defender Daley Blind, whose contract with Ajax was terminated six months early in December, has spoken out about how the departure has affected him. 

Blind hurt about Ajax exit 

Blind sat down with journalist Diana Kuip and his former teammate Siem de Jong on the Afkicken 'Football is life' podcast.  

Blind said on the podcast that he planned to retire at Ajax and says he still feels hurt that he is no longer a player for Ajax.

Daley Blind admits painful Ajax exit
Daley Blind admits painful Ajax exit

"It is still painful that I no longer play at Ajax," Blind said on the podcast, per VI.

“I had imagined to end up at Ajax. When I came back, I always kept the door open for a new adventure, but my intention was to end my career at Ajax.

“It still hurts. I can see myself returning to Ajax one day, one way or another. I do feel connected to the club. I never imagined the situation would turn out like this.

“I am an Ajax player and I will not just return to Ajax from Manchester United at the age of 28 - in the best time of my career.”

The 32-year-old did not leave Ajax on the best of terms, and he is reported to have said that his exit was due to friction with Ajax's manager, Alfred Schreuder.

The former Manchester United player has yet to make his official debut for Bayern since signing, and Ajax are in a ditch themselves with only one win in their last seven Eredivisie games, dropping them to 5th on the log.

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Blinds stellar Ajax career 

Blind made 333 appearances for Ajax over two spells, during which he won seven Eredivisie titles; only Johan Cryuff and Sjaak Swart have won more with the club.  

Daley Blind after winning the Eredivisie with Ajax in 2013
Daley Blind after winning the Eredivisie with Ajax in 2013

He also won two Dutch Cups in his illustrious Ajax career, alongside two Dutch Super Cup trophies.

Blind was named the best player in the Netherlands in 2014, which aided his move to Premier League giants Manchester United.

He was a main feature in Erik Ten Hag's team that reached the Champions League semi-final in the 2018-19 season and was one of the main leaders of a young Ajax team before his exit.