High marks for Heitinga
Thursday, August 5, 2004
Article summary
AFC Ajax have extended and improved the contract of Dutch international defender John Heitinga.
Article body
'Next goal'
The 20-year-old's original deal was due to expire in July 2007 but has now been extended until July 2008. "This contract proves that Ajax are very satisfied with me," he said. "Now I want to try to become a leader on the pitch, someone who is an example to the other players. That is my next goal."
Injury problems
Heitinga, who can operate at right-back or centre-back, hardly played for Ajax for two years due to a succession of injuries. But he returned to action in 2003/04 and became a regular in Ronald Koeman's side, helping them win the Eredivisie.
Penalty success
His form earned him an international debut in February and a place in the Netherlands squad at UEFA EURO 2004™. He was in the starting lineup for two group games, but was sent off against the Czech Republic. He appeared as a substitute in the quarter-final victory against Sweden, scoring in the penalty shoot-out.