Nicolás Tagliafico does not hide the fact that he would like to play football in a larger league. A guest in the Spanish program A Diario from Radio Marca the 28-year-old Argentinian speaks out about, among other things, the successes with Ajax, his plans for the future and playing with Lionel Messi. Although the left back is having a great time in the Netherlands, he hopes for a summer transfer to a ‘more challenging league’.
When presenter Raúl Varela introduces the conversation with Tagliafico, who was sent on holiday early by his trainer Erik ten Hag, by asking about his experiences around the 35th national title, the left back indicates that a burden has been lifted. “When you become champion before the end of the last round, you are automatically a bit calmer. Of course we stay sharp, but the training sessions are more relaxed and everyone is more positive. Moreover, an early league title offers opportunities for the younger players, who can thus make more playing minutes. ”
“I am only 28, but already a kind of father to those young boys”, continues Tagliafico, who also shines his light on teammates who in his eyes can have a bright future. “Ryan Gravenberch could certainly play for a major European club. He is still very young and can learn a lot, but he has incredible qualities. Just like Brian Brobbey. He will go to RB Leipzig, but I am curious how he will fare there. ” Antony also stands out positively according to Tagliafico, who does not consider it certain that the young players will also succeed abroad.
“Maybe they need an extra year in Amsterdam, so that they can gain even more experience in the Champions League. It is something special to play for Ajax, because they have a certain philosophy that is very different from the philosophy of other clubs. Few clubs even try to use the Ajax way of play. Because those young players get so used to that special Ajax philosophy, it often happens that they have trouble adapting to a different, new club. But these players have extraordinary qualities and with their football intelligence they can actually go anywhere, ”said the left-back.
Tagliafico himself also honestly states that he is ready for a step higher and he would think it a perfect time to leave next summer. “I never expected to stay with Ajax for so long, to be honest. But somehow I have come to feel very much at home at the club. They care about me a lot and I can relate to the way they play. And it’s great to be part of one of the biggest clubs nationally and internationally. For those reasons I still play at Ajax. There was something going on every transfer period, but due to various circumstances, an agreement with another club always failed. Sometimes it was the asking price, and last year the corona virus was something that stood in the way of a switch. ”
“This year is a perfect time to leave,” continues Tagliafico. “I have already won a lot here and I know that I could do well in a bigger competition. I am not going to force a transfer, because I just feel very good at this club. If something comes up that is good for me as well as for the club, it would be great. Of course I am not going to lie: I would really like to go to a more challenging competition. Anyway, we’re going to experience it. In any case, I feel very good here. ”
Varela then confronts Tagliafico with the possible interest of Internazionale and suggests that Javier Zanetti, vice president at the Milanese, might play a role in the decision to leave Ajax for Inter next summer. “I have never seen Javier as a real idol, but of course he has always been an example. He played my position and was a very disciplined professional. His working and training methods have always appealed to me. I spoke to him some time ago and I know him. Of course Inter is a great club, but there has been no contact yet and there is nothing concrete. We are also only in May, so there is still plenty of time to make a decision about my future. ”
Finally, the Ajax player will discuss the role of Messi in the Argentine national team. “It is always fantastic to be able to play with such a player. He feels good at the moment with Argentina, he is in top form and he is very involved in the selection. If he’s good and we can help him, then he can help us play better too. I know he was thinking about leaving Barcelona at one point, but today he is calmer. Also especially due to the departure of the president (Josep Maria Bartomeu, ed.). But you never know. He is eager to end his career at Barcelona and I couldn’t imagine him in a different shirt. It’s his decision and we’ll see ”, Tagliafico concludes.