Sneijder: This is the best moment for Ajax to play Real Madrid

Wesley Sneijder is currently playing in Qatar with Al-Gharafa, but he has previously been at Ajax and at Real Madrid and is the perfect person to talk to about the upcoming Champions League clash between the two teams.

The Dutchman previewed the last 16 tie, as well as discussing his past in the Spanish capital.

What do you think about the tie between Real Madrid and Ajax?

"For Ajax, this is the best moment to take on Real Madrid. I don't see Real Madrid as being as strong as in previous years. That's obvious. Ajax are a very young team, but nobody should be mistaken about them as they have a lot of quality and play very well, especially at home in Amsterdam. It'll be a difficult tie for Real Madrid."

But don't you see Real Madrid as the favourite?

"Yes, Real Madrid are still the favourites despite everything. But look! If Ajax can achieve a good result in the first leg then Real Madrid could have problems, and we've seen that recently when they face teams that keep the ball. This is a good matchup to check the quality of this Ajax side, one that is very exciting, as they go up against the three-in-a-row Champions League winners."

So you're giving Ajax a real chance of going through...

"Sincerely, yes. Real Madrid are different in Europe, but Ajax have a chance to move on to the next round."

It's interesting because in Madrid they were quite happy with the draw.

"Of course, because they believe that Ajax are the same as the last few times they visited Madrid. But they're nothing like those teams. Plus, the average Real Madrid fan doesn't follow Dutch football and doesn't know about Ajax. I do know about them, though, and they have a line-up with a lot of quality."

Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong are two players who everyone has been talking about recently. Are they ready to move to a giant of European football?

"This match will be a major test for them. They have enough quality and they'll have great futures, but it's difficult to know more right now. This is a good test to see what level they're at. Their mentality is very good and that is an advantage for them. I have no doubt that they're going to be really great players. Are they ready to make this jump now? We'll see..."

Have you been surprised by the way Real Madrid have dropped off without Cristiano Ronaldo?

"I knew that Real Madrid depended a lot on Ronaldo, as he always made the difference. So it hasn't been a surprise for me. Ronaldo always carried the team on his back and it seems, from what we've seen up until now, that Real Madrid depended on him a lot. If Real Madrid did have him then Ajax's chances of going through would be significantly reduced."

What other players should Real Madrid be wary of?

"Hakim Ziyech is in a very good moment of form and Dusan Tadic is as well. Of course, there's also De Ligt and De Jong, who are more well-known. I also like Nicolas Tagliafico, who runs up and down like Marcelo. There's a need to watch out for him. Then there is the back line, with the possession. This Ajax is incredible. The way they play! They have experts like Daley Blind or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar too. They may not have a world-class superstar, but they do have great players."

Do you still view Real Madrid as a favourite for the Champions League or is this the moment they concede their throne after three years of winning it?

"They'll always be a favourite, but they must first get past Ajax. It's true that a young Ajax side could suffer at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu."

Do you have good memories of your time at Real Madrid between 2007 and 2009?

"Yes, I have good memories of my time at Real Madrid. I went to see River Plate vs Boca Juniors there a few weeks ago and I met old friends like Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and Chendo. I love the team and the city. I was very happy there."

Do fans remember you? Did you notice their affection when you visited Madrid?

"Yes, they recognised me and that made me happy. I feel at home there. People always speak very well of my two seasons there. I am and will always be a Real Madrid fan. I have the club in my heart."

Who are you with in this tie?

"Real Madrid have won three Champions League titles in a row, so let's allow my other team Ajax to enjoy themselves a little now."