Daley Blind made his return to the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Sunday, July 26, playing his first home match for Ajax since November 2022.
The defender entered as a halftime substitute in a 2-1 friendly victory over Burnley.
>>> CXMT Raises 66.6 Billion Yuan in Landmark Shanghai IPO
Blind began warming up in the 31st minute under instructions from head coach Míchel, drawing loud applause from supporters before taking the field in the second half.
Aaron Bouwman opened the scoring for Ajax, but former Ajax player Jaydon Banel equalized for Burnley.
Abdellah Ouazane then restored the lead to secure the win for the Dutch side.
Blind's Message to Teammates
Speaking about his latest chapter in Amsterdam, Blind noted changes at the club but highlighted a positive environment under the new manager.
"It is certainly all different now, compared to how I left it," he said.
He emphasized that victories help build momentum and stressed the need for more wins quickly. "Under the new trainer Míchel, however, there is positivity.
Wins like these certainly help with that, more must follow quickly," Blind added.
>>> Jamie Lee Curtis Opens Up About Mother Janet Leigh and Family Legacy
Addressing his physical condition after a previous injury, Blind said: "I've only been in training for two weeks.
At the end of last season I had an injury and now I have to get rhythm. I feel good and fit.
I really have to take good care of my body, because being fit is no longer self-evident."
He also issued a clear message regarding the team's direction: "This trainer knows very well what he wants and doesn't want.
Everyone has to go along with that. The train is leaving.
Whoever wants to come along must get on now."
Ajax holds a 4-1 lead over FK Vojvodina ahead of the second leg in the Conference League second qualifying round on Thursday.
>>> Apple iPhone 18 Pro Leaks Hint at Major Camera, Battery Upgrades
They will also host FC Volendam in a friendly before opening their Eredivisie season against PEC Zwolle.
