Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 5:15 PM• Rian Rosendaal

Rick Karsdorp has finished his European suspension and the right back of AS Roma is preparing for one of the most important matches of this season: the return match against Ajax in the quarter finals of the Europa League. The attacking wing defender emphasizes the day before the confrontation in the Stadio Olimpico, however, that his Feyenoord past does not play a role in the run-up to the second showdown with Ajax.

“Of course this match is special for me”, Karsdorp is quoted at the press conference by, among others The Telegraph. To immediately add: “But it is not Rick against Ajax. And also not Feyenoord against Ajax. It is just AS Roma against Ajax and we will do everything we can to further convert”, said the Dutch winger, who saw his teammates pull off a handsome 1-2 victory in the Johan Cruijff ArenA last week, after trailing 1-0 halfway.

After a period full of injuries, Karsdorp is doing well this season at Roma, which recently awarded the right back with a new contract until mid-2025. “And I would like to serve that out, I am happy here”, said the satisfied defender. The strong performances in this year even ensure that Karsdorp is associated with a return to the Dutch. Despite the approaching European Championship, however, he is not involved with the Dutch national team. “I have played little in the past three years. I want to return to the old level. I still have to take steps for that. I like to play football every game. Also next season. That is what I focus on, not the European Championship. not to me either. “

The focus is now entirely on Ajax’s visit to Rome, with a place in the semi-finals of the Europa League as a possible reward. “This competition inspires me, I think it’s really great”, Karsdorp exults during the press moment on Wednesday afternoon. As a Feyenoord player, the right back faced Ajax six times in the past. “Ajax – Feyenoord is a real derby, a bit like AS Roma – Lazio in Serie A. Now that I play here, a match like this with Ajax feels different. I think this game will be just as spectacular as the first match” , says Karsdorp.