UCL: Bassey feeling 'nice', 'weird' ahead of return to former club

Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey says he is feeling 'nice' and 'weird' ahead of his return to his former club in the UEFA Champions League.

Glasgow Rangers will welcome the Eredivisie champions to the Ibrox Stadium on Tuesday night in the final group game.

Bassey, 22, joined Ajax Amsterdam in the summer transfer window after spending two seasons with the Scottish giants.

The Super Eagles defender became one of the fans' favourite while at the Ibrox Stadium.

The versatile defender had his breakthrough season last term after a string of impressive performances which saw him emerge as the man of the match in the finals of the Europa League against Bundesliga outfit Frankfurt.

He also won the man of the match in the Scottish Cup final as Rangers defeated Hearts to claim what turned out to be their only silverware last season.

The 22-year-old joined the Eredivisie champions for €22m plus a reported €5m as add-ons in July to become the most expensive Nigerian defender in history.

Interestingly, his new side Ajax were pitted in Group A alongside his former club Rangers, Liverpool, and Napoli.

"It’s a nice feeling, obviously," Bassey said in a pre-match press conference.

"It's nice to see familiar faces, It’s a weird feeling as well because tomorrow you just lock in and get focussed on the game," he added.

"But I’m now an Ajax player and for me, it is important for us to get the win.”

Ajax thumped Rangers 4-0 at the Johan Cruff Arena in the first leg.

WDN