Bundesliga
Zeefuik: "Arjen Robben encouraged Hertha move"
New Hertha Berlin signing Deyovaisio Zeefuik says encouragement from Bayern Munich legend Arjen Robben helped him decide on making his move to the Bundesliga this summer.
The 22-year-old former Groningen full-back was in high demand when Hertha came calling this summer and he had a choice to make, with clubs from across Europe in for his services.
But it turns out the Hertha sales pitch was aided by countryman Robben - a Groningen hero who announced in June his intention to come out of retirement in order to help his first club following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Arjen said to me that the Bundesliga was a good step," Zeefuik told media this week and it turns out the eight-time Bundesliga winner wasn’t the only Dutchman promoting the switch to Berlin.
Hertha winger Javairo Dilrosun is the same age as Zeefuik and the pair came through the same youth ranks at Ajax as youngsters.
The Dutch U21 duo have also played alongside each other as Netherlands youth internationals since U17 level so it is little surprise then, that they spoke prior to being reunited.
"[Dilrosun] told me that Hertha is getting bigger and bigger and is getting more professional every year," added Zeefuik. "That's a good sign."
As well as Dilrosun, Zeefuik will have compatriots Karim Rekik and Daishawn Redan for company in the German capital next season, with the first chance to spot the new Hertha arrival in the Bundesliga when The Old Lady take on Werder Bremen on 18-21 September's opening weekend.