Former Everton winger Andy van der Meyde has this week given quite a long interview to Soccer News.
The Dutch outlet recalled the 44-year-old’s entire career, in a conversation which had interesting stories about the clubs he’d been through, and, obviously… where it all went wrong.
One of Van der Meyde’s recollections was an injury which haunted him in his career’s final years, and that all started at Everton.
He started by recalling how the move to Goodison Park happened in the first place.
“I wanted to go to the 2006 World Cup. They had told me at the Dutch national team that I had to play, otherwise I wouldn’t go.”
That’s when the injury happened.
“I sustained a tear in my thigh that I couldn’t do anything about. I suddenly couldn’t run anymore. Then I thought to myself, I’m going to go out. That’s actually where it went wrong with me, because of that injury. I ended up suffering from that injury for six months.”
Van der Meyde had played for Ajax, FC Twente and Inter Milan before joining Everton. The Toffees spent €9m to sign him from the Nerazzurri in the summer of 2005.
In four seasons at Everton, he only made 24 appearances. That was not only due to injuries, though, as he got involved in several personal problems and openly admits he’s approach to the game held him back.
The winger still tried to return to playing, signing short-term contracts with the likes of PSV and WKE Emmen, but ended up finally retiring in the summer of 2012.
