Dutch clubs did not want to work with Tjaronn Chery because of his age, as Karim El Ahmadi revealed on Thursday evening in front of the camera of ESPN. The analyst indicates that he spoke with the 35-year-old trendsetter from NEC Nijmegen on Thursday morning and that the transfer agreement with Royal Antwerp FC has as good as been finalized.

On Thursday, Chery will compete with NEC in the play-offs for a European ticket against Go Ahead Eagles. Before the match, the attacking midfielder's qualities will be highlighted by ESPN's analysts. His future is also discussed.

“I happened to speak to him this morning,” says El Ahmadi. “It looks like he will sign with Royal Antwerp. He is also concerned about the gesture that they want to give him a two-year contract.”

“When I look at clubs here in the Netherlands who have doubts about his age… Especially when he returned from Maccabi Haifa, he was offered everywhere, but at FC Utrecht, among others, they said they don't want him.”

“I think age is just a number. You have to look at data on a player because he has almost never been injured in the last four to five years. So clubs need to look at that more.”

“He is now showing it and with Chery, NEC has even more control over the ball. I think he's a really great player. His kick is also really great,” said El Ahmadi.

Chery has been playing for NEC since January this year. The number six of the Eredivisie made his tastemaker a new offer, but Chery will most likely ignore it.

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