Girona newcomer
©IMAGO
Midfielder Donny van de Beek admitted mental problems before his new club FC Girona’s Champions League game against Feyenoord on Wednesday (6:45 p.m.). The past few years with numerous sporting problems have left their mark on the 27-year-old Dutchman.
“From a mental standpoint it’s complicated. I have suffered many setbacks, but in Girona I am starting a new stage,” said van de Beek (quoted via “Marca”) at the press conference before the second premier class game in the club’s history. He finds a very good team at the LaLiga representative, a “warm club, like a family”. He wants to continue to improve in a functioning team.
The former 39 million euro purchase from Manchester United has rarely achieved this in the past. While his market value was 55 million euros at the end of 2019, van de Beek is currently only valued at 5 million euros. The 19-time Elftal international player has played for Girona five times this season for a total of 175 minutes. After veteran Oriol Romeu (33) was injured, he now has a greater chance of proving himself. “From time to time there are absences due to injuries and all teammates are prepared for them. “Sometimes you play more minutes and sometimes not so many, but the most important thing is that you are ready,” said the right-footed player.
Speaking about moments of despair, van de Beek said: “I thought about giving up everything, but my family and friends always supported me. I like playing, I like football and I keep working to help the team.” The fact that he ended up at Girona also came about on the initiative of his agent. “My agent contacted the club,” revealed van de Beek.
Van de Beek has appeared on the pitch 62 times for Man United since his arrival from Amsterdam in the summer of 2020 (two goals, two assists); he has since spent half a year on loan at Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt – without any resounding success. Girona signed him in July for 500,000 euros until 2028. The transfer fee can increase to up to 15 million euros through bonuses.
