United's Blind returns to Ajax

Daley Blind has returned to former club Ajax Amsterdam from Manchester United, telling his Twitter followers yesterday it was “time to go home”.

Blind has signed a four-year deal with the Amsterdam club, having left Ajax for United in a 14-million pound deal (US$18 million) four years ago.

Ajax said it would pay a transfer fee of 16 million euros (US$18.70 million) for the return of the defensive midfielder, with add-ons that could see the fee rise to 20.5 million euros.

The 28-year-old Dutch international made 141 appearances for United, but his opportunities had become increasingly limited under manager Jose Mourinho and he played only seven Premier League matches for the Old Trafford club last season. “I want to say how proud I am to be a part of the Manchester United family,” Blind wrote on Twitter.

“To play for the biggest club in the world with such a history meant a lot to me. I had 4 great years with 4 trophy’s (sic)!

“I want to thank you for all the love and support I received and still get. I will never forget some of the special games and moments, I will miss you ‘The Theatre of Dreams’! But now it’s time to go home.”

Blind is the first senior player to leave United this preseason, although former England midfielder Michael Carrick had announced his retirement prior to taking up a post with Mourinho’s backroom staff.

United wrote on its Twitter feed: “We can confirm @BlindDaley has left #MUFC to join Ajax. Thanks for everything.”