André Onana said goodbye to the Ajax fans with an extensive post on Instagram. The keeper, who will leave Amsterdam on a free transfer this summer, thanks everyone for “a great journey that comes to an end after seven years.”
Onana made the switch from Barcelona to Ajax in 2015 at the age of 19. “I came up with the illusions of a child,” writes the now 26-year-old Onana about that period. “With the desire to give everything for this historic club.”
Reliable goalkeeper
Initially there were doubts about Onana, but after the departure of Jasper Cillessen in 2016, the Cameroon international grew into a reliable first keeper. “Now that I am leaving, I am satisfied because I gave everything for this shirt from day one to the last,” writes Onana.
Onana experienced many highlights at Ajax. He was important in the national title that Ajax won in 2019 and was also one of the stars during the European adventures in 2017 (Europa League final) and 2019 (Champions League semi-final).
Minor
However, Onana’s stay at Ajax would eventually end in a minor way. He was banned for one year in early 2021 for doping. The fact that he refused to renew his contract this season, meaning that he will leave for free this summer, was wrong with a large part of the fans. Onana was not always happy with the latter: “They can sing or cry, I don’t care,” he told ESPN in April.
Due to injuries at Remko Pasveer and Maarten Stekelenburg, Onana was allowed to show up a few more times after his suspension. In those matches he made such a flashy mistake that trainer Erik ten Hag kept him aside again during the last matches of the season.
‘Magic moments’
Despite these lesser times, Onana likes to hold on to the beautiful memories: “We suffered and wept, but we also laughed and celebrated magical moments. I will no longer be there to touch you with my rescues, but my heart will always be with you. you lie. There is no success without failure, no joy without sadness. I want to give special thanks to the people who have supported me through good and bad times.”
“It was an honor to be part of Ajax history”, concludes Onana. “Now it’s time to walk a new path. I don’t know if I’ve been the best, but know that I’ve always tried my best.”