Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has described Dutch sides NAC Breda and Feyenoord as the two clubs closest to his heart, reflecting on the lasting connection he built with both teams during his time in the Netherlands.
Dessers enjoyed a prolific spell at NAC Breda, where he registered 29 goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
He also left a memorable mark during his loan stint at Feyenoord in the 2021/22 season, scoring 20 goals and providing four assists in 41 matches to help the Rotterdam club reach the UEFA Conference League final.
Speaking to BN DeStem via VoetbalPrimeur, the Nigerian international admitted that both clubs continue to hold a special place in his heart.
"It is of course no secret anymore: NAC and Feyenoord are truly two clubs that I have lost my heart to," Dessers said .
"I still follow those clubs very closely, and conversely, people still approach me about my time in Breda. That is very nice, and let's hope they return to the Eredivisie soon."
The 31-year-old also reflected on a frustrating debut campaign in Greece, where recurring injuries severely limited his impact following his move from Rangers.
Dessers managed just five league appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist before spending much of the season on the sidelines.
The Panathinaikos star admitted the injury setbacks were unfamiliar territory, describing it as the first time in his professional career that fitness issues had significantly disrupted his season.
“It has been difficult, a season with many injuries. For the first time in my career, actually, so I had to get used to that,” he revealed.
"Especially because the club paid a nice transfer fee for me, I just want to give something back to them. For the fans too, of course. I received so much love from them and it feels difficult that you can't give that back."
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 season, the Super Eagles striker expressed confidence that he will be fully fit before the league campaign begins in mid-August.
He revealed that he is working tirelessly to regain peak condition and hopes to feature in the club's European qualifiers before the domestic season kicks off.
"I am working extremely hard to be in top shape this season. Giving it my all, scoring goals, winning matches, and lifting trophies.
“I expect to be in top shape by the start of the league in mid-August. Hopefully, I'll get some minutes in the European qualifiers before that,” he concluded.
With a clean bill of health in sight, Dessers will be aiming to rediscover the form that made him one of the most prolific Nigerian attackers in Europe and justify the club's investment as he targets a successful campaign in Greece.
Adeyemi Adewale
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