‘I hope it happens’ - Chelsea star eyes return to former club

The Morocco international has left the door open for a potential return to Ajax.

Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech says he ‘would love to’ return to former club Ajax at some point in his career.

The 28-year-old played for the Dutch giants between 2016 and 2020, making 165 appearances in all competitions. He supplied 49 goals and 81 assists. His performances helped the club win three major honors, including the Eredivisie, and famously reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19.

Since his €40 million exit, Ziyech has become a European champion at Chelsea. However, amid struggles to hold down a regular starting spot, reports have frequently linked him with a move away from west London.

Asked in an interview with Ziggo Sport whether he would consider a return to Ajax one day, Ziyech said: “I would love to. I had a fantastic time there.

“It’s a place where I have felt at home, and whether it will ever happen, the future will tell. If it is up to me, it will definitely happen.

The Moroccan added: “That’s not up to me; I leave that to them. I just try to enjoy every day now and do my thing. What the future brings, we’ll see then. As I said, I hope it happens one day. Whether it will happen is not up to me.”

Ziyech could return to action on Wednesday for Chelsea’s final Champions League group-stage match away to Zenit in Russia.