Recently, Dutch legendary goalkeeper Van der Sar was interviewed by "Miyi", and he talked about his career and current life.
Van der Sar is one of the strongest goalkeepers in football history. He played until he was 41 years old. He has played for three clubs, Ajax, Juventus and Manchester United, winning 2 Champions League titles and a total of 28 trophies, and made 130 appearances for the Dutch national team.
Why did you initially dream of becoming a defender
"My role model is my uncle, he is a defender, so my first jersey when I was a child was No. 3. Later, I gradually retreated and eventually became a goalkeeper."
Can you share a story about Van Gaal? He is an important coach in your career
"Van Gaal has a group of friends who often play cards together at night, one of whom was my youth team coach. Once, he said to Van Gaal: Luis, I have a very outstanding 17-year-old goalkeeper, come and see. So Van Gaal came to see me and brought me to Ajax within a few weeks. He initially gave me the third goalkeeper, then gave me a chance to play, and I finally won the main position."
In that Ajax team, who is the strongest player
"If I could only choose one name, I would say it was Rijkaard. He spent Hui in Milan During the glorious years, when he returned to Ajax, he led us to success, including defeating AC Milan in the Champions League final in 1995. "The summer of 1999, why choose to join Juventus?" At that time, I had two choices: Liverpool or Juventus. I talked to both clubs, but I leaned more towards Italy. Serie A was the best league at that time, Juventus was a club with a long history, and we lost to them in the 1996 Champions League final. I like black and white sluts and respect Zov, who once played for Juventus. "
Do you regret it?
"At Juventus, I have experienced many changes that are different from Ajax and have encountered many difficulties. I did not perform at my best, but I do not regret it. It is normal to be criticized when a striker does not score or goalkeeper does not save. Still, living and playing football in Italy is still a wonderful experience."
"When I first arrived at Juventus, my teammates often took me to dinner: Ferrara, Uliano, Zidane, Inzaghi, Zambrota, Davis... In the restaurant in Turin, the food was delicious. I took out my credit card at the end of each dinner, but they always didn't let me pay the bill."
How to evaluate Zidane during the Juventus era "unparalleled."
in Ferguson and Ronaldo's Manchester United, you're in the second spring of your career, what did you leave for your days at Old Trafford? "It's a huge honor to be able to play for a historic club and work with a coach like Sir Ferguson. I have a great relationship with Ferguson, his nephew and my kids are in the same school. Ronaldo is excellent, he's always in the gym before and after training. I've never seen a young man so eager to succeed. He always said to me: Edwin, I'll be the best player in the world. I told him not to be too confident, but he did."
Do you remember Totti's spoon penalty in the 2000 European Cup semi-finals? "Never, that semi-final should have ended before the penalty."
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Donnarumma recently transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City. Is he the best goalkeeper in Europe? "He is one of the best goalkeepers, just like Bayern's Neuer in recent years, and before his injury, and my favorites are Ederson and Alison."
You won many honors not only as a player, but also as management. Which is more difficult to win on the court or win in the office? "It's two different experiences. When I retired and returned to Ajax, I started to take charge of business affairs, then deal with relationships with UEFA, FIFA and institutions, and in the last few years I served as CEO. It's great to build a young and competitive team with Ovemas. We beat Real Madrid and Yu who owns Ronaldo. Ventus, entered the Champions League. "
In 2023, when you were Ajax's management, you suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. Have you ever been afraid of death? "To be honest, no. I was rescued immediately and the ambulance quickly sent me to the hospital where the best doctors were taking care of me. After returning home, my family and physiotherapist were always with me." Did this experience change your view of life? "It's not like a different view, so my life is more calm now than when I was in management. The phone was always ringing at that time, and important decisions were needed to support the team and coach. Now I enjoy family time, traveling, playing Pader tennis and riding a bicycle. "
Have you said goodbye to football completely? Will you still see you in the future?
"I played for 20 years and worked as a management team. I love football. Let's wait and see. I imagine that I will play a certain role in the football organization."