Returning to Amsterdam, Yang Yang was incredibly excited from the moment he stepped off the plane.
He had been included in the eighteen-man squad for this match, but he knew very well that he would not start. He would only come on as a substitute in the second half.
Making an appearance at Amsterdam Arena as an away player felt very special.
What surprised Yang Yang was that quite a few Ajax fans had come to welcome him at the airport. Many of them were even wearing the Number 11 Jersey he had worn during his time at Ajax, which deeply moved him.
He specifically requested ten minutes from Head Coach Ancelotti to interact with these lovely fans, signing autographs and taking photos with them. It was a very special experience for him.
After leaving the airport, Real Madrid checked into the hotel they had booked in advance, and UEFA's publicity staff came knocking as well.
As a former Ajax player—and, according to UEFA's official records, someone who had joined Ajax's youth system at sixteen—Yang Yang was considered a Youth Training Player. Facing his former club this time, everyone was curious about how he felt.
Therefore, Yang Yang was also the person UEFA's official publicity staff most wanted to interview.
When the media asked him about it, Yang Yang said with a smile that he was a Real Madrid player, but that he would always keep a place for Ajax in his heart. "Perhaps one day, when I'm old, if possible, I'd still like to return to Ajax."
In Yang Yang's heart, Ajax was where his professional career had begun. If he could retire here one day, he would feel immensely honored, and it would also feel like returning to his roots.
Of course, no one could say for certain