Jasper Cillessen sends a clear message on NEC return: “I didn’t come back to sit on the bench” | OneFootball

Jasper Cillessen returned to NEC for his third spell on Friday. While the 36-year-old goalkeeper needs to get back to fitness, he’s ready to compete with Gonzalo Crettaz.

Cillessen will replace the outgoing Robin Roefs, who left for Sunderland for a record fee. Cillessen maintained his fitness at amateur side De Treffers and showed up at the club’s friendly against NEC, but there was no contact at that time.

“I lived in Groesbeek and knew Theo (Janssen) from my Ajax days, so the connection was quickly made. Had there already been contact with NEC back then? No, things moved quickly when Robin left for good,” Cillessen emphasised on the Nijmegen club’s official channels. “When NEC calls, the itch continues. It’s a fantastic move for Robin, though. I’m happy for him.”

Cillessen must first find his rhythm if he’s to properly compete with Crettaz, who followed Dick Schreuder from Castellon. “My last match was on March 31st. I missed the pre-season, so I need to get fit first to compete with Gonzalo.”

“I didn’t come back to sit on the bench and try to please everyone here. I came back to put the pedal to the metal, but the best player plays. If that’s Gonzalo, then I’ll support him. We both speak Spanish, which is convenient.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield