Calvin Bassey admits playing in the Champions League was a dream come true - but it was 'bittersweet' because it came while beating Rangers.
The former Light Blues star left Ibrox during the summer transfer window in a big money move to the Dutch giants. He was a key player under Giovanni van Bronckhorst last season - especially on the run to the Europa League Final - and earned his huge move off the back of that stunning form.
The Nigeria international would not have expected such a quick reunion with his former team-mates after the duo were paired together alongside Liverpool and Napoli in their Champions League section following Rangers' play-off round win over PSV. Bassey was solid as ever as his new side hammered the Ibrox men 4-0 in the opening game of the group.
READ MORE: Ally McCoist vents Rangers fury as he labels two goals 'horrendous' and makes 'no spirit' claim
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It is a moment he will never forget on a personal level hailing it as an 'amazing achievement' for himself and his family. But while it was a dream come true with plenty more to come in his football career - having to defeat Rangers in the process took a slight shine off his big moment.
Speaking to Ajax's club channel, he said: "It's been one of my dreams all of my life to participate in the Champions League and to be able to do that was unreal.
"Obviously, it was bittersweet because it was against my old team but on a personal note it was an amazing achievement for me and my family.
"Last season, we [Rangers] spoke about the Champions League and how good, we had the Europa run, and Champions League was the next step.
"So it was nice to see both of us, even though I moved on, we were both still in the Champions League and got to that step.
"It was nice to see familiar faces but once you cross that line on that pitch, it's go time. I know they'll do everything they can to stop me, I'll do everything I can to stop them. It's just how it is."
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