Jaap Stam retires

Various Dutch media sources are reporting today that Jaap Stam has retired from professional football. The only thing that’s surprising about this news is the timing – most figured he’d labor through until the end of the season.

It’s been an emotional week for Stam, who just lost his father. He cited not being mentally or physically up to the challenge of playing, and mentioned that he was having more problems with himself than he was with his opponents. That’s a crucial sign that a guy like Stam, who has been technically and physically sound throughout his career, just can’t do it anymore. Of course, this leaves Ajax with a gaping hole at the back and in its leadership, and at this uncertain time, something Ajax doesn’t really need at this time. However, you could tell he was certainly laboring lately at the back.

I always admired Stam on and off the field. I was never a PSV fan, obvs, but he was a quiet leader who, on a Oranje team loaded with characters, always shut up and played. His best time was during the 1999 treble season with Manchester United (his partner in defense back then was either David May or Ronny Johnsen – think about it) and the next season when the Netherlands co-hosted Euro 2000. Always smooth with the ball and a power on set pieces, Stam was a versatile defender and a key cog to any team he played on. Plus, he seemed to be a good guy.

So thanks, Jaap, for one-plus season at Ajax, even if it was during the twilight of your career.

Category: Team News

Tags: Ajax Amsterdam, Jaap Stam, Team News

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