Ajax’s Van Axel Dongen Considered Quitting Football Amid Injury Struggles
Recurring injuries took a significant toll on the young player’s mental state.
AMSTERDAM – Ajax forward Amourricho van Axel Dongen, 20, has revealed he contemplated retiring from professional football due to persistent injury setbacks. The winger, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, opened up about his struggles and eventual resolve to continue his career.
Injury Woes prompted Thoughts of retirement
Van Axel Dongen admitted the mental strain of repeated injuries led him to consider quitting the sport. “I just thought: I’m not going to play football anymore. I’m done with it, I keep getting injured,” he confessed. He acknowledged seeking solutions to improve his physical condition and demonstrate his potential. Despite the challenges, he affirmed, “God has not given me so much talent to eventually give up. I just keep thinking: I’m going to make it, one way or another.”
Rapid Transition to Senior Football Exacerbated Issues
The Ajax talent believes his rapid transition from youth to senior football contributed to his injury problems. He explained that after a year with minimal matches in the U18s due to COVID-19 disruptions, he immediately joined the first team’s training. “You’re still a child – you’re sixteen – and you’re going to play with big men. That is intensive. Everyone’s body is diffrent. For my body, it was a bit tougher than for someone else’s. I did have a few injuries.”
Current Injury and Recovery
Currently recovering from an ankle injury, van Axel Dongen remains optimistic about his return. “I hope to be able to play minutes as soon as possible. I dare not say how and when, but I hope soon,” he stated. He noted the feeling of isolation that comes with being injured, separated from the team during matches and training.
Plea for Patience and Gratitude to Ajax
Addressing Ajax supporters, Van Axel Dongen asked for patience.”I would say to them: you will see. That also sounds cliché,as they have been hearing that for a few years… I know what I can do,I know what my qualities are. I think the people at the club also know what I can do. I think that is why I still get the confidence from the club.” He expressed his gratitude to Ajax for their ongoing support, stating, “I appreciate that I have always felt the thankfulness and that they have always made me feel good. That also helps with the process of not feeling alone. I am also grateful to Ajax for that.”
How does Ajax plan to support Van Axel Dongen’s long-term advancement and integration into the senior team?
Ajax’s Van Axel Dongen: Your Questions Answered
Following the revealing interview with Ajax forward Amourricho van axel Dongen, here’s a quick Q&A to clarify key points and offer additional insights.
Q&A
- Q: What injuries has Van Axel Dongen suffered from?
- A: The article specifically mentions an ankle injury, but he has been plagued by recurring injuries, suggesting multiple setbacks. The article also states that the quick transition from youth to senior football contributed to his injury issues.
- Q: Why did he consider retiring?
- A: The mental strain of repeated injuries led him to contemplate quitting. The physical toll, coupled with the feeling of isolation while sidelined, took a heavy toll.
- Q: How did his rapid transition to senior football affect him?
- A: Van Axel Dongen believes the jump was too quick. He went from minimal U18 matches due to COVID-19 straight into first-team training, a physically demanding habitat for his developing body.
- Q: What’s his current status and recovery timeline?
- A: He’s currently recovering from an ankle injury. He hopes to return to play “as soon as possible,” even though he hasn’t provided a specific timeframe, and he stated that he is optimistic about his return.
- Q: What does he want from the Ajax supporters?
- A: He’s asking for patience. He believes they will see his potential and expresses gratitude to the club for thier ongoing support and confidence.
- Fun Fact:
- Mental health plays a crucial role in sports recovery. Athletes often benefit from seeking support from sports psychologists to cope with injury-related challenges.
Van Axel Dongen’s story highlights the mental and physical hurdles young athletes face.Let’s support his journey back to the pitch!
