Joël Veltman does not see himself returning to Ajax this summer. The 31-year-old defender will run out of his contract with Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of June, but says opposite Football International that he hopes for a longer adventure abroad. The 28-time international of the Dutch national team does not rule out staying at Brighton, but also sees an employment contract in Spain or Italy. “Returning to Ajax is not an option for me now.”
Veltman played 101 official matches in recent years the Seagulls and does not rule out a longer stay. “Talks with Brighton are ongoing about what the club wants and what I want. There will probably be more clarity about this soon. I’m really enjoying myself here and we’ve actually felt at home in Brighton from the start. We live near the beach, it’s a nice city to live in. And if you want, you can be in London in an hour. Amsterdam is also not far away.” Last Saturday, Veltman was injured during the away game against Chelsea, which means that he will be out of circulation for the coming weeks.
The right back cum central defender keeps many options open. “If I can stay at Brighton then I am happy, but I am also open to other options. I am having a good time in England, but Italy or Spain would also be nice”, said Veltman, who ruled out a return to the Netherlands and his beloved Ajax. “Returning to Ajax is not an option for me now. My name, and also that of Kenny Tete, have been linked to Ajax in the past period, perhaps because of Devyne Rensch’s injury and because Jorge Sánchez was criticized, but there has never been any contact with Ajax.”
Veltman played no less than 246 official matches for Ajax in the past. His contributions to the 2013, 2014 and 2019 championships made him beloved by some of the supporters. In addition, Veltman won the TOTO KNVB Cup once and the Johan Cruijff Shield twice in Amsterdam’s service. The right leg is currently enjoying one Ajax player in particular. “I like that Dusan Tadic is still the big man, even with all his assists. He’s like the last man standing of the Ajax with which we reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. Dusan still radiates every day how proud he is to be an Ajax player.”