Calvin Bassey is overjoyed to be an Ajax player, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 22-year-old signed a five-year deal with the Dutch club worth £18.7m, but the fee could rise to £22.7m with add-ons, making him Nigeria’s most expensive defender in history.
Speaking with the club’s website on Thursday, the former Leicester City defender said, “Just the fact that a club with the status and greatness of Ajax had eye on me, I thought it was incredible.
“It was always going to be a yes for me if the offer came in.
“It feels real to be called an Ajax player. It is overwhelming for me. It’s an amazing experience for me.
“As a kid, I have always dreamt of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, featuring in the UEFA Champions League and winning trophies.
“The players that had gone out of this club have gone on to have wonderful careers, so for me, something is right here and I’m happy to be here.
“When I got the call, it was definitely a yes for me no doubt. There is no place I’d rather be now. Ajax is a high level playing club.”
Ajax won the UEFA Champions League four times in 1971, 1972, 1973 and in 1995, when Nigerian duo Finidi George and Nwankwo Kanu were at the club.
They have also won the Eredivisie title a record 36 times.
The Super Eagles defender also spoke of how former Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar made him feel welcomed at the club.
Huntelaar is part of Ajax’s technical organisation and he supports technical manager Gerry Hamstra.
“We both drove down here from Glasgow and he is a decent driver,” Bassey added.
“We spoke about tactics, life and how he found life transiting from football to management, which is a good lesson for me.”
On his choice of position, Bassey said, “I just enjoying playing football either as a left-back or a central defender.”
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