Former Ajax captain Dusan Tadic has signed a two-year playing contract with NEC Nijmegen, the Serbian forward announced on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old attacker held talks with Ajax, but the club only offered him a future coaching position rather than an active playing role.
Tadic noted that he held constructive discussions with Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff before deciding on his move to Nijmegen.
Decision to Join NEC
"Ajax offered me no contract as a player, but as a coach with the youth or perhaps with the first team," said Tadic.
Despite choosing a different path in the Eredivisie, the veteran forward emphasized that he maintains a strong personal bond with his former club.
"Everyone knows my connection with Ajax. It was my dream club and I played there for a long time and won a lot.
That connection remains forever. But I can promise that I will do everything for NEC," said Tadic.
Reconnecting with coach Dick Schreuder proved to be a decisive element in his transition to NEC.
Tadic previously collaborated with Dick's brother, Alfred Schreuder, during his tenure at Ajax.
"He was one of the most important reasons to come here. I know Alfred, a coach from whom I learned a lot.
And I knew Dick. We talked a lot and I am happy that I can work with him," said Tadic.
Experience and Role
Having previously played for FC Groningen, FC Twente, Southampton, Ajax, Fenerbahce, and Al-Wahda, Tadic brings extensive international experience to a team aiming for European success.
"I want to bring leadership, professionalism and quality, everything that is needed. I will do everything for the group and the club.
Everywhere I have played I have given everything," said Tadic.
When questioned about his physical condition at age 37, the veteran attacker responded lightly about his fitness levels.
"You will see," said Tadic.
He acknowledged the need to regain match sharpness following a hiatus from competitive play prior to joining his new teammates.
"I do need to get into the rhythm, because I haven't played for two and a half months and I will have to get used to the way of playing.
But every training session it will get better," said Tadic.
Head coach Dick Schreuder revealed that the open training session attracted heavy media interest due to the high profile of the 111-time Serbian international.
"We did expect this. Everyone wants to be there for the first time," said Schreuder.
Schreuder explained that the transfer developed naturally over time due to his existing relationship with the forward.
"This was going on for a while, because of the relationship I have with Dusan. He worked with Alfred.
I stayed in contact with him," said Schreuder.
The coach emphasized that Tadic provides crucial European experience ahead of NEC's upcoming third qualifying round matches in the Champions League against Olympiacos on August 4 and 11.
"It is going to be a difficult year," said Schreuder.
"He is one of three players in the squad who have played in Europe. That is also a reason why he is here.
It will be a different dimension, so it is only good if you have players like him," said Schreuder.
Regarding managing a high-profile player within the squad, Schreuder expressed full confidence in the veteran's integration.
"Status is status. He is also there to show that he can still do it all.
I am just going to deal with it in a normal way. I hope he is a good extension, that makes my job a bit easier," said Schreuder.
Under the contractual terms agreed upon with NEC, Tadic will transition into a technical role following his two years on the pitch.
"Two years as a player," said Tadic.
He outlined the secondary phase of his contract structure following his active playing period.
"Two years as a coach in the youth or as an assistant with the first team," said Tadic.
He kept his immediate focus on his active playing obligations.
"That will come," said Tadic.
