Serbian forward Dusan Tadic has signed a two-year contract with NEC Nijmegen following his departure from UAE club Al-Wahda.
The 37-year-old attacker held preliminary discussions with Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff regarding a non-playing role, but Ajax did not offer him a playing contract.
"Ajax offered me no contract as a player, but as a coach in the youth or perhaps with the first team," Tadic said.
"But I had good conversations with Jordi. He is a nice person.
And he has the winning mentality."
Tadic emphasized that his strong bond with Ajax remains intact despite signing with a domestic rival.
"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," Tadic said.
Reunion with Schreuder
A primary catalyst for Tadic's move was his relationship with NEC head coach Dick Schreuder and his past work with brother Alfred Schreuder during his tenure at Ajax.
"He was one of the main reasons to come here. I know Alfred, a coach I learned a lot from.
And I knew Dick. We talked a lot and I am happy that I can work with him," Tadic said.
The former Southampton and Fenerbahce player expects to bring leadership and quality to the squad while adapting to the team's tactical style.
"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," Tadic said.
Addressing concerns about his physical readiness after a two-and-a-half-month absence from competitive matches, Tadic dismissed doubts about his conditioning.
"You will see," Tadic said.
The Serbian international acknowledged that regaining match fitness will require short-term adjustment during training sessions.
"I do have 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," Tadic said.
European Experience Key
Coach Dick Schreuder noted that discussions regarding the high-profile transfer had been ongoing for an extended period, initiated through informal conversations.
"We expected this," Schreuder said. "Everyone wants to be there the first time."
The manager highlighted Tadic's European experience as a critical asset for the club's upcoming continental campaign.
"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," Schreuder said.
NEC is preparing for a demanding season that includes European competition alongside domestic league fixtures.
"It is going to be a difficult year," Schreuder said. "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."
Schreuder maintained a pragmatic approach toward managing a high-profile international athlete within the squad.
"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," Schreuder said.
The contract structure includes post-retirement provisions for Tadic to transition into coaching within NEC's system following his two years as an active player.
"Two years as a player," Tadic said. "Two years as a coach in the youth or as an assistant with the first team.
But that will come."
NEC is also pursuing further roster additions, including Turkish defender Ahmetcan Kaplan on a permanent deal from Ajax following a loan spell, while midfielder Dirk Proper has attracted transfer interest from sc Heerenveen.
