It is the most striking name among the battery of test players that is on trial at Telstar these days: Mihkel Ainsalu. The war in Ukraine finally brought the Estonia international to the White Lions† Ainsalu played seventy minutes in the practice match against Willem II and left a strong impression on trainer Mike Snoei.
Due to the war in Ukraine, Mihkel Ainsalu is now on trial with Telstar – NH Sport/Frank van der Meijden
The road from Ainsalu to Velsen-South is special. The physically strong midfielder was on the threshold to play in Ukraine. However, the war threw a spanner in the works for the 26-year-old footballer. “I was about to sign a contract in Ukraine. But the war started and so I had to flee. I went back to Estonia and now I am here. I am very grateful for the opportunity I got to be here Ainsalu said.
“The war started and so I had to flee”
bring in
Trainer Mike Snoei also sees it more than in the test player. “I would like to bring in our friend from Estonia. We think he is a very good midfielder. Whether he is feasible for Telstar remains to be seen.”
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Mike Snoei would like to add Mihkel Ainsalu to Telstar’s roster – NH Sport
Ainsalu has played thirteen international matches for his country to date, including a European Championship qualifier against the Netherlands in Amsterdam. “I don’t want to be reminded of that anymore. That was a very tough game and we lost it more than 5-0,” said Ainsalu.
Positive feeling
It will become clear in the coming days whether Telstar and Ainsalu will continue together for longer. If it is up to Ainsalu, he will stay in Velsen-South this season. “Everything has gone well so far. I am very positive about the club. Everything looks good here for me.”
Mihkel Ainsalu tries to forget his previous visit to the Netherlands – NH Sport/Frank van der Meijden
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