A few days before the duel with FC Utrecht, he was made aware that he would be able to play his 250th match for the Ajax first team Galgenwaard Stadium.
"I knew about it. It is something special. I have been a fan of the club all my life. That is no different now. Ajax has always meant a lot to me."
Lyon Away
When the midfielder is asked about his favorite moments in all those matches for Ajax, he immediately mentions the trophies he has won in red and white. His thoughts also go back to his debut.
"That's something you work towards all your youth. I remember playing football in the A1 on Saturday. On Sunday, I was sleeping in when I got a call from my trainer, Fred Grim. 'You have to report tomorrow. You're going to Lyon with the first team," he said. “I traveled with the teamt o France and fell right in. It was at the time when we played with guys like Toby Alderweireld, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen."
"I was also in Jan's [Vertonghen] room. He was captain at the time," Klaassen continued. "That was special for me as a young boy. I think they did it for a reason, because it made a big impression on me."
Goals
Klaassen has managed to score 75 times for Ajax in total. "Those two goals against Schalke 04 in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League were very special. That was also due to the moment and the whole atmosphere in the stadium."
His first goal against NEC was also a moment he will never forget. "That was a childhood dream. You don't even dare to hope for that. Maybe it was not a special goal for Ajax, but for me and my family it was.
That goal was the third goal of the match against NEC, but in his second stint with Ajax, Klaassen has earned the name ‘Mr. 1-0'. "That's something I'm quite proud of. If we make the 1-0, it’s a good start.
Silverware
Klaassen has won six trophies with Ajax. The most recent league title is at the top of his list. "I helped with that all season. We became champions with such a big lead, so convincing. That was just beautiful."
