Tadic chooses NEC over Ajax, citing Schreuder’s influence

On a crisp Tuesday afternoon at the NEC training ground, 37‑year‑old Dusan Tadic jogged onto the pitch for his first session with the Nijmegen squad, a moment that instantly linked his name with Ajax, trainer Schreuder and his new club, NEC.

Tadic confirmed he had spoken with Ajax and technical director Jordi Cruijff after that initial training, revealing the discussions took place on the same day.

"Ajax offered me no contract as a player, but as a youth coach or perhaps with the first team," the Serbian forward said, highlighting the club’s alternative proposal.

He stressed there was no bitterness towards Ajax, recalling his lifelong dream of playing for the club, the many titles he won there, and his promise to give everything for NEC.

The decision for NEC made sense to Tadic because he previously worked with coach Alfred Schreuder at Ajax and knows his brother, Dick Schreuder, the NEC trainer, well.

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"He was one of the main reasons I came here. I know Alfred, a coach I learned a lot from, and I knew Dick. We talked a lot and I am happy to work with him," Tadic explained.

Describing the club as an interesting project, Tadic praised the coach’s playing style and confirmed he signed a two‑year deal in Nijmegen.

He added he wants to bring leadership, professionalism and quality, while admitting he must find his rhythm after two and a half months without competitive football.

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Trainer Schreuder immediately recognised Tadic’s arrival as a major transfer, noting the club had anticipated the move and that many wanted to witness the first training.

Schreuder said the link with Alfred had been developing for some time and that Tadic’s experience in European competition adds a new dimension for NEC, especially as the team prepares for Champions League third‑qualifying round matches against Olympiakos on 4 and 11 August.