Edwin van der Sar has hailed new Manchester United signing Lisandro Martinez after he finally completed his £55million exit from Ajax.
Martinez has signed a five-year deal to link back up with Erik ten Hag and become the new Red Devils manager's third summer signing. The Argentine starred under Ten Hag at Ajax, winning two Eredivisie titles and being named the club's player of the year last season.
He had become a fan favourite at the Johan Cruyff Arena, earning the nickname 'The Butcher of Amsterdam'. His committed performances led to interest from both Arsenal and United, with the latter eventually winning the race to sign him.
He clearly made a good impression in the Netherlands, judging by Van der Sar's comments on his departure. The United legend is now the chief executive at Ajax and took to Twitter to wish his club's former player well.
Van der Sar shared a series of images from Martinez's time at Ajax, including the day he arrived, a picture of him celebrating a win and one of him with Ten Hag. The former keeper then proceeded to pay tribute to the defender.
"What a warrior you have been for us in Amsterdam! We all loved your ability to develoe yourself like so many others before you and play the football we like to watch but if needed the grinta and determination in defense! Good luck at this amazing club with a manager that shares the philosophy of attacking football in the style of Ajax. Mucha suerte, Licha," he wrote.
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Martinez completed his long-awaited move to Old Trafford on Wednesday, a day after he had been spotted arriving at training with Christian Eriksen. And following his arrival he revealed his excitement at securing a move to the Red Devils.
“Now I can feel the fire, you know? I want to train right now, with the team. For sure, we will work hard to put the club in the high levels. I will give my 100 per cent every game, in every training [session]. For sure, also the team, we will do it. We will play as a team," he said.
“For sure, I know the fans from Manchester United – I watch videos, and when I watch a game, and some opinions also, the fans from Manchester United are so passionate. But I like that passion, because football is about it also.
“I was with him [Ten Hag] three years at Ajax and I know his style of playing. With him, I improved a lot, to be honest. He’s here in Manchester now, so again the opportunity was there and for sure he’s very important in my [career].
“[He's] very intense, for sure. Good football. Winning mentality, you know? That’s the most important [thing]. Every player needs to have things clear. I think he’s very clear also. So I think, with him, every day you can learn and then, in the game, you can understand also fully – tactics and everything.
“I really like to help my team-mates, but every player – I want the best for everybody. If everybody is fit and everybody is good, then we can win, you know? Because we can win with 11 players if everyone is good, it will help with each other. Then, I’m really aggressive, I love to win, you know? It’s all about winning."
