Hakim Ziyech has described the “weird” feeling of not being able to say a proper goodbye to Ajax ahead of his move to Chelsea.
The 27-year-old’s time in Amsterdam has been cut short by the decision to end the Eredivisie season without a champion being crowned - a decision Ziyech labelled "bullsh*t".
Ziyech spent four years at Ajax after previous spells at Twente and Heerenveen, but the next time he takes to the field is likely to be in blue.
"This isn't the way I wanted to finish the season and say goodbye to Ajax, obviously,” Ziyech told Voetbal International.
“I, and all people around the club, had something great in mind for the coming months. That isn't happening and that's very unfortunate.
"I knew it was over when [Dutch PM Mark] Rutte said there will be no football until the first of September.
“I wanted to end my time here in a good way, with a championship title.
“On the other hand, I immediately accepted it because there's clarity now. The health of all people is more important, after all.
“It is weird. Not just for me, but for everyone in the Netherlands and the rest of the world. I'm quite relaxed to be honest. I try to keep busy and not give over to the crisis.
“Everybody should try to keep doing what he or she is supposed to be doing. I do that by training every day. By doing that I want to make sure that I'm ready to deliver on the field as soon as this is all behind us."
Ziyech could at least take some solace from the fact his last game at the club was a win, with Erik ten Hag’s side triumphing 3-1 away to Heerenveen on March 7.
"Thankfully, we won,” he said. “That was it for me at Ajax. The end. Weird, though.
“I think you are right when you say it was a remarkable adventure. I was able to experience great things at Ajax and also some less nice things."
Ajax were level with AZ when the season was ended, though they were the top of the Eredivisie table thanks to their superior goal difference.
Wocackn
0
welcome to the club
Nesaiknruy_Legend
1
next season line up woow
[image]
Give Ziyech the armband, this guy is more passionate than all our squad. No other footballer would have the balls to call a decision "Bull$hit" in the current era of football.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
4
You can tell from his demeanor that Hakim has 1 thing that the team has been lacking for a long time, passion. This guy is heated over a title that his club win nearly every season, that shows someone that is a natural born winner. I do feel the man can have controversial behaviour at times which is probably why clubs didnt go in for him but I think at Chelsea we need a guy who will be upset properly when we lose and celebrate intensely when we win and not just give PR statements. As long as his football shines, I dont care what kind if character he is and I do believe he will fit in at Chelsea and offer us something we have been missing for years, creativity of the highest calibre.
MiracleBoi2
0
So sorry to realize that not all dreams comes true, health comes before any other things around, Ajax will always have you in mind because you have played a major part for them and you can also tribute your first goal at Chelsea to them, that shows great respect. Good luck 👍
Ovieme
0
Really strange. But welcome to the Bllue House
Yembcsz
0
[image]
syazaniamsyar
6
Faabdkorz
0
next season line up woow
[image]
jinblmory
0
who will captain your team[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Rudiger laa
Viudeknu
0
next season line up woow
[image]
Rudiger 💙
liocdiloz
0
next season line up woow
[image]
captain kanTe[Crylaugh]
Hihabcmnty
1
next season line up woow
[image]
who will captain your team[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
facbcino
1
lampard just 3 big signing and we are fine
Harambee
0
Right
liocdiloz
1
next season line up woow
dennisachafu
2
Nice one Ziyech but you have to move on. Such is the story of life. It presents us with so many uncertainties
bluesss
6
when you return to ground with chelsea, tribute your first goal to ajax as a goodbye! very much excited to see you in blue next season.