Bassey speaks on ‘surreal’ feeling during Champions League debut

Bassey had played on the continent in previous seasons, but he got his first appearance in the Champions League this season

Super Eagles defender has revealed that he had a surreal feeling during his Champions League debut for Ajax earlier this season.

Bassey left Rangers for Ajax last summer in a deal worth €23 million. He was bought to slot into the space that was left after Lisandro Martinez left the club for Manchester United.

The versatile Nigerian defender struggled on his competitive debut, picking a red card in Ajax’s Johan Cruijff Schaal 4-3 loss to PSV Eindhoven.

Nonetheless, he picked up the pieces and has become a constant starter at the club this season.

Bassey got his first taste of Champions League action this season, and according to him, it was a surreal experience.

What even made it more special for him was because the game was against his former side Rangers. He supplied an assist for one of Ajax’s goal to ensure it ended 4-0.

 

“I felt I was watching myself on TV as a kid, but at the same time the kid me could feel how I felt,” Bassey told The Telegraph.

“It was so weird. It was surreal. Regardless of what happened, it was such a proud moment for me and for everyone on the journey with me, because they know it has been far from straightforward.

“The amount of rejections I’ve got and the amount of people that have doubted me, it just goes to show that you can’t give up. You have to keep believing in yourself and keep pushing.” he added.

 

Unfortunately for Bassey, Ajax have been a shadow of themselves this season. They have struggled to pick wins this season.

Ajax currently sit second in the league, and they have dropped down the to Europa League after failing to impress in a group that had Liverpool,  Rangers, and Napoli.

Nonetheless, Bassey would hope his team regains their form soon and push for trophies.