Latest news with #Dutch-born
Fox Sports
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Huijsen recalls Mourinho and idol Sergio Ramos as he is introduced by Real Madrid
Associated Press MADRID (AP) — Dean Huijsen thanked former coach Jose Mourinho and talked about his "idol" Sergio Ramos as the center back was introduced by Real Madrid in what he called 'the best day" of his life on Tuesday. The 20-year-old Spain international was signed by Madrid from Bournemouth in May to give the Spanish powerhouse its first reinforcement for next season. He signed a five-year deal after Madrid activated the player's 50-million pound (then $66.4 million) buyout clause. 'It's the best day of my life,' he said. "It's a dream to be here, and I'm going to give everything for the team. For me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world, and there is no other team like it.' Huijsen thanked Mourinho for bringing him to Roma on a loan from Juventus in January 2024. 'I was at Christmas dinner with my family when Mourinho called," he said. "When he calls, you have to listen. He's one of the greatest in the history of soccer, and I'm very grateful to him.' Mourinho had called Huijsen one of the 'best prospects in European soccer.' The young defender, who earned a first call-up by Spain for the Nations League playoffs in March, said he received a message from former Madrid star Ramos when his signing was made official. 'He's my biggest idol, the best center back in history,' Huijsen said. "I admire everything about him, he's the most complete center back. My first fond memory is the final of the (Champions league in 2014), when he scored in the last minute of added time. I was 9 years old.' Huijsen said he already talked with new team coach Xabi Alonso about his roles with the club that needs to rebuild a defense after multiple injuries to its backline during a mostly disappointing 2024-25 season. 'We talked a little about what he expects from me. I think it's going to be a great few years,' Huijsen said. "I think I fit in very well with the style of football Xabi wants to play. I'm going to try to contribute as much as I can, and I'll be delighted to help.' The highly rated defender was being sought after by other clubs in the Premier League after his standout season with Bournemouth. The skilled Dutch-born center back joined the Premier League team from Juventus for a reported 12.5 million pounds (then $16.6 million) in the offseason last year. He was a regular for Bournemouth since breaking into the team in November. ___ AP soccer: in this topic
Winnipeg Free Press
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Huijsen recalls Mourinho and idol Sergio Ramos as he is introduced by Real Madrid
MADRID (AP) — Dean Huijsen thanked former coach Jose Mourinho and talked about his 'idol' Sergio Ramos as the center back was introduced by Real Madrid in what he called 'the best day' of his life on Tuesday. The 20-year-old Spain international was signed by Madrid from Bournemouth in May to give the Spanish powerhouse its first reinforcement for next season. He signed a five-year deal after Madrid activated the player's 50-million pound (then $66.4 million) buyout clause. 'It's the best day of my life,' he said. 'It's a dream to be here, and I'm going to give everything for the team. For me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world, and there is no other team like it.' Huijsen thanked Mourinho for bringing him to Roma on a loan from Juventus in January 2024. 'I was at Christmas dinner with my family when Mourinho called,' he said. 'When he calls, you have to listen. He's one of the greatest in the history of soccer, and I'm very grateful to him.' Mourinho had called Huijsen one of the 'best prospects in European soccer.' The young defender, who earned a first call-up by Spain for the Nations League playoffs in March, said he received a message from former Madrid star Ramos when his signing was made official. 'He's my biggest idol, the best center back in history,' Huijsen said. 'I admire everything about him, he's the most complete center back. My first fond memory is the final of the (Champions league in 2014), when he scored in the last minute of added time. I was 9 years old.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Huijsen said he already talked with new team coach Xabi Alonso about his roles with the club that needs to rebuild a defense after multiple injuries to its backline during a mostly disappointing 2024-25 season. 'We talked a little about what he expects from me. I think it's going to be a great few years,' Huijsen said. 'I think I fit in very well with the style of football Xabi wants to play. I'm going to try to contribute as much as I can, and I'll be delighted to help.' The highly rated defender was being sought after by other clubs in the Premier League after his standout season with Bournemouth. The skilled Dutch-born center back joined the Premier League team from Juventus for a reported 12.5 million pounds (then $16.6 million) in the offseason last year. He was a regular for Bournemouth since breaking into the team in November. ___ AP soccer:
San Francisco Chronicle
7 hours ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Huijsen recalls Mourinho and idol Sergio Ramos as he is introduced by Real Madrid
MADRID (AP) — Dean Huijsen thanked former coach Jose Mourinho and talked about his "idol" Sergio Ramos as the center back was introduced by Real Madrid in what he called 'the best day" of his life on Tuesday. The 20-year-old Spain international was signed by Madrid from Bournemouth in May to give the Spanish powerhouse its first reinforcement for next season. He signed a five-year deal after Madrid activated the player's 50-million pound (then $66.4 million) buyout clause. 'It's the best day of my life,' he said. "It's a dream to be here, and I'm going to give everything for the team. For me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world, and there is no other team like it.' Huijsen thanked Mourinho for bringing him to Roma on a loan from Juventus in January 2024. 'I was at Christmas dinner with my family when Mourinho called," he said. "When he calls, you have to listen. He's one of the greatest in the history of soccer, and I'm very grateful to him.' Mourinho had called Huijsen one of the 'best prospects in European soccer.' The young defender, who earned a first call-up by Spain for the Nations League playoffs in March, said he received a message from former Madrid star Ramos when his signing was made official. 'He's my biggest idol, the best center back in history,' Huijsen said. "I admire everything about him, he's the most complete center back. My first fond memory is the final of the (Champions league in 2014), when he scored in the last minute of added time. I was 9 years old.' Huijsen said he already talked with new team coach Xabi Alonso about his roles with the club that needs to rebuild a defense after multiple injuries to its backline during a mostly disappointing 2024-25 season. 'We talked a little about what he expects from me. I think it's going to be a great few years,' Huijsen said. "I think I fit in very well with the style of football Xabi wants to play. I'm going to try to contribute as much as I can, and I'll be delighted to help.' The highly rated defender was being sought after by other clubs in the Premier League after his standout season with Bournemouth. The skilled Dutch-born center back joined the Premier League team from Juventus for a reported 12.5 million pounds (then $16.6 million) in the offseason last year. He was a regular for Bournemouth since breaking into the team in November.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Huijsen recalls Mourinho and idol Sergio Ramos as he is introduced by Real Madrid
MADRID — Dean Huijsen thanked former coach Jose Mourinho and talked about his "idol" Sergio Ramos as the center back was introduced by Real Madrid in what he called 'the best day" of his life on Tuesday. The 20-year-old Spain international was signed by Madrid from Bournemouth in May to give the Spanish powerhouse its first reinforcement for next season. He signed a five-year deal after Madrid activated the player's 50-million pound buyout clause. 'It's the best day of my life,' he said. "It's a dream to be here, and I'm going to give everything for the team. For me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world, and there is no other team like it.' Huijsen thanked Mourinho for bringing him to Roma on a loan from Juventus in January 2024. 'I was at Christmas dinner with my family when Mourinho called," he said. "When he calls, you have to listen. He's one of the greatest in the history of soccer, and I'm very grateful to him.' Mourinho had called Huijsen one of the 'best prospects in European soccer.' The young defender, who earned a first call-up by Spain for the Nations League playoffs in March, said he received a message from former Madrid star Ramos when his signing was made official. 'He's my biggest idol, the best center back in history,' Huijsen said. "I admire everything about him, he's the most complete center back. My first fond memory is the final of the , when he scored in the last minute of added time. I was 9 years old.' Huijsen said he already talked with new team coach Xabi Alonso about his roles with the club that needs to rebuild a defense after multiple injuries to its backline during a mostly disappointing 2024-25 season. 'We talked a little about what he expects from me. I think it's going to be a great few years,' Huijsen said. "I think I fit in very well with the style of football Xabi wants to play. I'm going to try to contribute as much as I can, and I'll be delighted to help.' The highly rated defender was being sought after by other clubs in the Premier League after his standout season with Bournemouth. The skilled Dutch-born center back joined the Premier League team from Juventus for a reported 12.5 million pounds in the offseason last year. He was a regular for Bournemouth since breaking into the team in November. soccer: /hub/soccer
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel (pic), it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. 'Honestly, I'm happy to be back,' said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. 'The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play.' Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. 'It came from my grandfather's side,' said the Dutch-born player. 'From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. ''I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from.' Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. 'Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result.' Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. 'We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution.' With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. 'Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday.'
