Marco wants Bergkamp at Ajax

Dutch legend Marco van Basten wants another Dutch hero, Dennis Bergkamp, to join him at Ajax when he takes up a coaching role at the club at the end of this season. Bergkamp has been out of the game since retiring from Arsenal two seasons ago.

"I called Dennis a few weeks ago, because I wanted to know how he was doing and if he would want to do something for Ajax, in whatever capacity," Van Basten said.

"It is important to work with as much quality as possible with Ajax and it is obvious that Dennis has qualities.

"In our conversation, Dennis said that he would come to the Netherlands to take the coaching course.

"Part of that course is that the participants enter a traineeship.

"I offered him a trainee post and he was very interested. I hope and expect that this will be good for Ajax and for Dennis.

"I think he can make players better. His presence will have an impact on the team.

"For Ajax as a whole it is also good that someone of Dennis' stature is involved with the club. At Ajax, Dennis can discover whether he enjoys being on the pitch in a different role."