Edwin van der Sar has wished Erik ten Hag good fortune when he leaves Ajax for a club 'close' to his heart in Manchester United this summer.
Ajax were in a celebratory mood on Wednesday night as they finally managed to clinch the Eredivisie title ahead of great rivals PSV Eindhoven with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Heerenveen in Amsterdam. The match was the reigning champions' final home game of the season, so as well as celebrating with the trophy there were also emotional goodbyes to be had.
Ten Hag will leave Ajax following five years at the helm after agreeing a three-year deal, as well as the option for a further 12 months, with United to be their next permanent manager. There is just one last match to navigate, an away trip to Vitesse, before the 52-year-old can turn his attention to his new life at Old Trafford and begin conversations with interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
The Dutchman has enjoyed great success at Ajax with three league title triumphs, an unlikely run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 and the development of several outstanding young players. His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed by those in charge at the club and CEO Van der Sar sent him an emotional message on the pitch after the match on Wednesday.
“Erik, sometimes I thought, 'you are a weird man’. But you surpassed all expectations," the former United goalkeeper said to Ten Hag as well as the celebrating supporters. "Dominant football, semi-final Champions League, league titles.
"You will leave for a club that is close to my heart. I wish you all the best there. Thank you, Erik ten Hag!"
Ten Hag also received a standing ovation from a packed Johan Cruyff Arena as well as being hurled into the air in celebration by his players.
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