“A special feeling” – Ajax’s Akpom gushes over wearing Cruyff and Van Basten’s iconic shirt number

The Anglo-Nigerian raves about getting the shirt number worn by the Sons of the Gods legends

 

New Ajax signing Chuba Akpom is relishing the prospect of wearing the iconic No. 10 worn by football greats Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten.

Inspired by his goalscoring feat last term, the 27-year-old forward officially sealed a  €12.3m move from Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

During his five-year spell at the Dutch elite division outfit, the Super Eagles prospect will put on the famed shirt number worn by the former Ballon d’Or winner during their spells with the four-time Champions League winners.

Commenting on the quality of Ajax’s jersey, the former Arsenal man describes the feeling as ‘special’ sharing that number with the legends as well as Patrick Kluivert and Dusan Tadic.

“It is a very great honour to wear this shirt number. To be the number ten of Ajax is a special feeling,” Akpom was quoted as saying by the club’s website.

“The shirts are very stylish and fit me very well. I think they are both very beautiful.”

He recounted how the deal had come about despite featuring in the English second tier during the 2022-23 campaign.

“It was a quick deal. Several clubs were interested, but when Ajax came I immediately knew that I wanted to go to Amsterdam,” he added.

“Of course I am very happy to sign with Ajax. It is a large, special club with a great history. It was therefore not a difficult decision.”

Under manager Maurice Steijn, Akpom will no doubt be hoping to emulate the legacy of Cruyff in the Dutch capital, who savoured league, European and domestic cup glory with Ajax.

Barring any fitness worries, he could make his bow against Excelsior in a league game billed for Rotterdam on Saturday .