The Indonesian goalkeeper speaks sincerely upon joining a prestigious club

Indonesia national team goalkeeper Maarten Paes has affirmed his commitment to giving everything as he officially signs with Ajax, symbolizing a heartfelt comeback to European football in his career.

Goalkeeper Maarten Paes has officially marked a significant turning point in his career by joining Ajax Amsterdam, returning to Europe after a period playing in the United States. For Paes, this is not just a routine contract but a milestone filled with both professional and emotional significance, as he dons the jersey of one of Europe’s most historic clubs.

On his Ajax debut day, the Indonesian national team goalkeeper could not hide his pride. In his first interview, Paes emphasized the special meaning this transfer holds for him personally. “I don’t think there’s a better club than Ajax to return to Europe,” Paes stated. “I’m very proud to be here and ready to give everything for the team.” This statement reflects the strong determination of the 27-year-old goalkeeper as he embarks on a new journey at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Maarten Paes’s move to Ajax has attracted attention not only in the Netherlands but also created a strong impact on Indonesian football. As the number one goalkeeper of the national team, Paes has a large fanbase in his second homeland. His presence at a European powerhouse is seen as a significant boost, helping to elevate the profile of Indonesian players on the international football stage.

From Ajax’s perspective, the Dutch club shows long-term confidence by signing Paes until 2029. This indicates that the goalkeeper born in 1998 is not a temporary solution but is considered a key part of the club’s long-term development plan. Paes’s experience, composure, and professionalism are expected to bring stability to Ajax’s defense during their rebuilding phase.

Before arriving in Amsterdam, Ajax reached an agreement to transfer Paes from FC Dallas, even though he still had a contract with the American club until the end of the year. Ajax’s management decided to act swiftly to strengthen the goalkeeper position, clearly demonstrating their ambition to compete both domestically and in Europe. This deal also marks Paes’s return to the Netherlands—his homeland—after several seasons in MLS.

Joining Ajax means that Maarten Paes steps into the elite environment of European football. The Amsterdam club is the “king” of Dutch football with 33 Eredivisie titles and has a rich Champions League history with 4 wins, including a historic hat-trick from 1971 to 1973. Facing this major challenge at Johan Cruyff Arena, the Indonesian goalkeeper is ready to open a new chapter, full of ambition and dedication in his career.