Former Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic has told the Dutch media he had an offer from the Premier League club to remain at St Marys, but his heart told him to sign for Ajax.
Last month the Serbian international signed for the Dutch club for a fee which could rise to £13.7m.
Speaking to Voetbal International, Tadic was asked about his decision to leave Southampton for Ajax: “I had several other options, I could have also signed up with Southampton, but my heart and feeling led me to Ajax. Since I was a child, I’ve been a fan of the club.
“For me Ajax are one of the ten largest clubs in the world. When I think of all the players who have played here, then I just get goose bumps. For me Johan Cruyff was the biggest.”
Tadic signed for Southampton from FC Twente in 2014 and became a key player for the English team in his four seasons in the Premier League.
The Serbian made 134 appearances for the south coast club, scoring 20 goals.
Southampton are now in the market for a replacement with reports they are targeting Tadic’s international teammate Filip Kostic. The attacking midfielder is reportedly looking to leave Hamburg this summer following their relegation to Bundesliga 2.
ND
