Arsenal’s new signing Jurrien Timber has explained what prompted his decision to leave Ajax and sign for the Premier League outfit.
The 22-year-old defender, who made more than 120 appearances for the Ajax first team over the past three years, was confirmed as an Arsenal player for a fee in the region of £38m after completing his medical and finalising personal terms on Friday.
Asked why he picked Arsenal, Timber said: “It was because of my brothers. They were always Arsenal fans, and I just loved seeing Arsenal play. They had big players, the way they played, the style. I just love the club,” adding: “I had this from a young age, but my brothers kind of put that in me. I liked watching Robin van Persie of course, and Thierry Henry. They were my favourite players.”
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He continued: “There are a couple of players [who have come here from Ajax], but there have been not a lot. So I think it’s special to be here as an Ajax player and it’s special that they notice you and they see me as the player I am.
“I’m really excited, especially now I’m here. Everyone is so nice and you can see it’s a big club. I’m excited to play for this beautiful club, and I can’t wait to start, and to see the fans obviously in the stadium.”
On where he is comfortable playing, Timber said: “I think that I’m lucky to say that I can play as a central defender, as a right full-back, sometimes even on the midfield. So I think that’s a good thing and I need to keep that.”
Timber became the Gunners’ second signing this summer after 24-year-old German forward Kai Havertz, who joined from Chelsea while West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is reportedly close to sealing a move.