Bayern Munich’s new signing Daley Blind admits he ‘knows his place’ at the club and admits he ‘might not be first choice’ after joining on a six-month deal – as the Dutch defender said: ‘Look let’s see what happens in the summer’
Daley Blind admits he is unlikely to be first choice at Bayern Munich after the Dutch international completed a shock move to the German champions.
Blind has signed a six-month deal with the former Manchester United defender agreeing to end his Ajax contract six months early to become a free agent.
The Holland international defender has decided to join the Bundesliga giants, having been linked with many clubs.
Daley Blind admits he may not be first choice after signing for Bayern Munich
Blind acknowledged that his role is likely to provide cover for Julian Nagelsmann’s team, where the 32-year-old can play in both defense and midfield.
‘I want to help the team and bring my experience,’ said Blind at his unveiling at Bayern Munich’s mid-season training camp in Qatar.
‘Of course I want to play as much as possible, but I know my place. Let’s see what happens in the summer.
‘We talked a lot, I have to be ready to help the team if they need me.
‘I knew I might not have been the first choice from the start.
‘I’ve always wanted to play and I’m ready for competition. I accept the paper I signed and I will be competitive and I want to help my teammates.’
Blind signed a six-month deal with the German champions after his contract with Ajax was terminated
Bayern are targeting an 11th consecutive league title, with Nagelsmann’s side currently four points ahead of second-placed Freiburg.
The German side will face French champions PSG in the Champions League knock-out stage, with their meeting one of the highlights of the last-16 draw.
Bayern have already lost Lucas Hernandez and Manuel Neuer to injuries ahead of their return to league action, with Blind a strong addition to replace Hernandez.
The veteran confirmed that he had spoken to Matthijs de Ligt ahead of his move, with the former Ajax team-mates now reunited in Munich.
Blind is expected to provide additional cover to Bayern’s defense and midfield
Blind arrived at Ajax’s academy, making 333 appearances for the Amsterdam club between two four-year spells at the club – from 2008 to 2014 and then 2018 to 2022 – during which he became an Eredivisie champion in seven different occasion.
He also won the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff shield twice, while he was also named Ajax’s player of the year in 2013 before the Eredivisie’s player of the year in 2014.
Blind was asked about his departure from Ajax, with the defender claiming that one day he could tell the story of his exit from his side.
Blind posted an emotional farewell after his contract was terminated last month, saying: ‘With pain in my heart and tears in my eyes I have to say goodbye to the club.
‘Amsterdams are often direct and demanding. That’s also possible, I want that, that’s why I’m always honest with you. Together we have a special relationship and that is not always easy for me.
The Holland defender posted an emotional farewell after his contract was terminated last month
‘Sometimes I feel like I’m playing with some of you and sometimes I feel like I’m being criticized quicker than a lot of other players.
‘That’s absolutely not why I’m leaving. I thank you too. Every time you mentioned my name, I got goosebumps over and over again. I am proud to be a part of it. It was an incredible time.
‘This is not how I imagined my end at Ajax, but due to ‘circumstances’ it turned out that way. I hope the right time comes to say goodbye to you. Make sure Ajax stays Ajax.’
Between his two Ajax spells, Blind also enjoyed a four-year stint at Old Trafford, where he lifted the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Europa League and Community Shield under Jose Mourinho.
