Sébastien Haller has in an interview with ESPN looking back on his first months in the service of Ajax. It took four months for his wife and children to join him in Amsterdam and the 27-year-old striker says that period was difficult for him. Still, Haller notices a significant difference from his Central and South American teammates in this regard.
“My wife and children first stayed in London. Those were four tough months, because I had to adjust to my new life,” Haller says. “I had to do everything. Find a house, find a school. I had all appointments to arrange things. I also had to adapt on the field. On the other hand, your family and especially your children are sad. They want to see their father, that makes sense.”
“Their mother was also a little sad because they need both parents to feel good. That’s what they were used to,” the striker continues. “I also owe everything to my family and the fact that it is in balance. This allows you to perform on the field. My wife and children ensure that I can give something extra on the field. Football is temporary and you have your family forever. But I need them both for a certain balance.”
Haller is asked whether his situation is comparable to that of Edson Álvarez. The Mexican midfielder had to miss his family for a long time, but has been performing excellently since they were able to move to Amsterdam. “The difference with Edson and the other South Americans is that my family lives a five-hour drive, three hours by train and an hour by plane. I’ll be there very soon. So I have nothing to complain about.”
“I can have them come over often and I see them regularly,” explains Haller. “It is much more difficult for the South Americans than it is for me. If only because of the journey, which takes ten, twelve or thirteen hours. In addition, you also have the time difference, which makes it more difficult. You also have to adapt to a different life and climate. It is all much more difficult for them.”