Brighton defender Joël Veltman is set to face his former club on Thursday night in a thrilling Europa League group stage clash. The Dutchman spent nearly 19 years with Ajax before making the move to England in 2020. Now, his beloved club is paying him a visit at the Amex Stadium.
Ajax have endured their worst start to a season since the introduction of professional football to the Netherlands in 1954. The Amsterdam club are currently 17th in the Eredivisie table and have just sacked head coach Maurice Steijn, leaving Hedwiges Maduro in charge for the meantime.
Speaking to Voetbal International about the current situation at Ajax, Joël Veltman said ‘I played at Ajax for 18, 19 years. When you see them lose, again to FC Utrecht for example, it hurts. Then you become even more disappointed. The poisoned chalice really has to be emptied. It hurts.’
Veltman was then asked about a possible return to Ajax, which he responded to by saying ‘I really feel at home here and I’m not yet like, ‘I have to go back’. Maybe in the future, who knows. But I’m really happy here and that’s the most important thing at the moment.’
Brighton take on Ajax in the Europa League at 20:00 BST. Check out our match preview to find out everything you need to know ahead of the Group B clash.
