Ibrahim Afellay's playing career is over. The 34-year-old former captain of PSV announced this Sunday evening in the TV program Studio Voetbal. Last summer, Afellay said goodbye to PSV. In a farewell interview he looked back on his career and thanked supporters, staff and club. You can read that interview again here.
What kind of club was PSV when you came in here at the age of 10?
"PSV was and is one of the most appealing clubs in the Netherlands. If such a club wants to include you in its youth training program, it strokes the ego of every little boy. The club of Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Phillip Cocu. Luc Nilis not to mention. Of course it was hugely special to be able to go and play here."
In the transformation from youth player to pro, your brother has been one of the most important people. He says you stayed close to yourself at every point in your career and had support from the upbringing at home.
"Absolutely. He actually brought me to PSV often from the beginning. His school suffered, but still he gave everything to be able to contribute his bit to my career. He put everything aside to make my dream of playing here at Philips Stadium come true. He was also one of my biggest critics, and I mean that in a positive way. If you have people around you who only jeer, you don't get better. Environment is everything."
In your career, how have you armed yourself against all the temptations that lurk?
"I think it's very important that you get that from home. My mother has been very decisive in that, as has my brother. Having people around you who also dare to sound the alarm when things threaten to go in the wrong direction is crucial."
Can you remember your transition to the A squad?
"Yes indeed. I was about sixteen years old and reported to the youth side for training as usual. There I was told I was wrong. I had to report to the pro side as soon as possible to train with the first one. Frankly, I thought that was a mistake, because in those days it was not at all normal for a youth player to train with the first. Not at all comparable to today and therefore extra special."
Which men were you on the field with?
"Arjen Robben, Mateja Kezman, Mark van Bommel, later also Phillip Cocu and I could go on and on. What I remember is that the game went very fast. You get into a big man's world. Only internationals."
And yet you commanded respect from them.
"I'm not a person who comes in somewhere and immediately asserts himself. Not at all back then. I talked with my feet and of course it is very nice that it made an immediate impression. In addition, I was very eager to learn. If you are on the field with the players I just mentioned and you don't use their lessons to get better, you are a thief of your own wallet."
In your heyday at the club, PSV won one prize after another. It must be special to have been part of such a successful PSV line-up.
"Yes it certainly is. I don't think it will happen often anymore that a team becomes champion four times in a row. I've played in particularly nice teams. Often a nice mix of foreign guys, a lot of experience and talented young players. I daresay we were a family and one where the button turned when there was a win to be had."
Like in the championship game against Vitesse in 2008, after which you put your modesty aside for a moment and shouted "four times Amsterdam, four times.
"That has nothing to do with modesty, haha. It was meant as a joke, but got a little out of hand. People who know me a little know how I meant that. With a big fat wink."
Another highlight was the transfer to FC Barcelona. What was on your mind then?
"Only one thing went through my head: the club that dominated the football world at that time wants me, what a boyhood dream. Besides, I have always had a thing for Spain. It couldn't have been more perfect. In the first six months I also played a lot, but in the summer that followed I tore my cruciate ligament. That costs you a year. After I recovered, coach Pep Guardiola left and told his successor (Tito Vilanova, ed.) didn't see it in me. That was unfortunate, but that's possible. I look back on a fantastic period at Barcelona."
Do you ever think "what if that cruciate ligament hadn't been torn off?
"Everything in life happens for a reason. I'm grateful for what I've been through. There are people who have it much worse. Being in that way in life gives me something to hold on to."
After periods at Schalke 04, Olympiakos and Stoke City, you returned to PSV. Upon your return to the Eredivisie, you were received by the supporters with a standing ovation. How did you experience that moment?
"That was really ... Pfoe. I wouldn't actually get in, lol. The crowd sang me in. That's how I see it. Goosebumps, I can't describe it any other way."
Will you ever return here in another role?
"I know the door is always open. PSV has indicated that they see a role for me within the club. What kind of role that will be, the future must tell. I am sure that sooner or later we will mean something to each other again. PSV is my club."