Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Daley Blind after the Dutchman completed a return to boyhood club Ajax, even remarking that he is one of the most professional players he has ever coached. The versatile 28-year-old re-joined Ajax this week in a £18.1million deal, four years after being brought to Manchester United by compatriot Louis van Gaal. He was used mainly as a squad player by Mourinho in their two seasons together, lining up in defence and midfield, but the Portuguese coach is still sad to see him leave.
‘I would like to say a big thank you to Daley Blind for everything he has done for the club since he joined in 2014,’ Mourinho told the club’s official website. ‘I have to say, that in my 18 years of management, Daley is one of the most professional players, both on and off the pitch, that I have had the pleasure to work with.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the very best as he re-joins his boyhood club, Ajax, and thank him from the bottom of my heart for his commitment and dedication over the past two seasons.’ Blind’s game time was expected to be reduced even more next season, with United having snapped up full-back Diogo Dalot, bolstered their midfield with Fred and are still looking to recruit a new left-back.