Calvin Bassey has admitted that joining Eredivisie champions, Ajax, posed a greater challenge for him than returning to England in the summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 22-year-old left Glasgow Rangers for a club-record fee earlier this season after he found himself in demand, following a breakout campaign at Ibrox, starring for The Gers on their run to the Europa League final and in winning the Scottish Cup.
That prompted serious interest from the Dutch champions, who outbid Brighton in the chase for the former Leicester City youth player.
Bassey told Daily Record, “I was doing pre-season with Rangers and focusing on the new season and getting in shape. Then I was told by my agent that the great Ajax wanted me.
“Returning to England might have been the safest option for me and of course, I know the language and the Premier League is a great competition. But it did not outweigh my desire to move to Ajax.
“I didn’t count on anything. Many things can go wrong in transfers and there was interest from other clubs too. But when I saw how hard Ajax was working to sign me, I got really excited.
“I discussed it with my family and tried to keep calm even though I was very excited about the move because it’s only completed when everything is signed.
“Every year you see new young players playing for Ajax in the Champions League, each and every one of them talents who are getting better and better. That development appeals to me and here I can play for trophies, watch myself grow and play with all the good players around me.”
Bassey suffered a nightmare debut for the Amsterdam giants last Saturday as he was sent off just 17 minutes after coming on as a substitute in their 5-3 Johan Cruyff Shield defeat to league rivals PSV Eindhoven.
He will miss their opening Eredivisie clash against Fortuna Sittard at the Fortuna Sittard Stadion on Saturday.
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