By: Oma Akatugba,Amsterdam
Fast growing Cameroon and Ajax FC goalkeeper Andre Onana has revealed to omasports exclusively, he is happy and growing well at Ajax FC and thinks it is the best for him at the moment.
Onana is a product of the famous La Masia academy. He left Barcelona for Ajax in search of first-team football, something which he found under Peter Bosz, one manager who has exhibited massive belief in the young African. Ajax as well is a club that prides itself as one that offers budding talents the atmosphere to play at the top and grow their game. Onana, a key figure in Ajax’s run to the Europa League final in 2016/17, has since established himself as one of the fast-rising goalkeepers in Europe.
FC Barcelona is preparing a replacement for Dutch Goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen who himself left Ajax FC For Barcelona 2016. However, because he has found minutes hard to come by, The Dutchman is contemplating going away from the Camp Nou anytime soon, and the Blaugrana’s are lining up Andre Onana as a replacement.
But it looks like the Cameroonian goalkeeper is more interested in life at the Johan Cryuf Arena rather than a move back to the Camp Nou where it all started for him. Minutes after putting up a dazzling performance, in a pulsating UEFA Champions League match which ended 3-3 between his team Ajax and German Champions Bayern Munich, Onana said, “I am still a player of Ajax. I want the best for me, and the best thing is to be here and keep growing while winning games.
“I think this is what I need to do and in the future, we shall see if I have to leave Ajax for Barcelona or somewhere else.
The shot-stopper had the chance to meet Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, and the German goalkeeper offered him a few words of advice.
“I am still young, and I still have a lot to learn and improve. I was just talking with Neuer. I think he is the one I have to follow, he is a very big, and I am very proud to play against him, I did my best, and I am happy about it. He was delighted about me, and he offered me a few words of advice.”
Neuer is not the first high profile name to have been impressed by Onana’s solid display within the sticks of recent.
Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho also approached the young star after the final whistle of last season’s Europa Cup final between Ajax and Manchester United, and the Portuguese legend praised the 22 year old for putting up a good showing.
“Everything is going well, and I am pleased. I spoke with Mourinho, and he is one of the best coaches in the world. That’s football. I have to keep working and hope everything goes well just like now”.
Onana came through the foundation of former Barcelona and Cameroon legend, Samuel Eto’s foundation and he joined Barcelona at the age of 13 via the influence of the African football legend. Onana thanked his fellow countryman for his role in his career growth.
“Samuel Eto’o did a lot for my family and me. I am very thankful to him for what he has done. I have an excellent relationship with him, and I like to thank him once again for helping me.”
