Blind asked Frenkie de Jong for advice: 'He confirmed the image of Girona'

'The move to Girona enriches my life, as a footballer and as a person,' says the 33-year-old defender in an extensive interview. 'You learn not just a new way of playing, but also meet new people and learn a new language. Like me, my wife and children are thoroughly enjoying our life in Spain.

Life is smiling at Blind again after his much-discussed departure from Ajax and a half-year at Bayern Munich with limited playing time. 'On Tuesday, it was still twenty degrees there, that's also nice. The puzzle pieces are falling nicely into place. Sportswise, Girona is a good project, with good people behind it. There's a clear plan, a fun playing style, and a good squad. With that, we're surprising. It would be great if we can keep doing that.'

De Jong gave a positive recommendation when Girona approached in the summer for the 103-time international. 'I asked him what he thought of the club. Frenkie said that it's a team that likes to play football, with many technically skilled players and an enjoyable approach to the game. That confirmed the image the coach had already painted for me. That was nice feedback.'

'I've really thought through my next step. At 33, you have to weigh your choices carefully. So that you end up at a club that fits your style of play. The conversations we had felt very good right away. Their way of thinking about football really appealed to me. Both in terms of the team and personally. That was nice. Ultimately, you take the plunge and go for it. And for it to turn out like this... I'd be lying if I said I'd expected this beforehand. Nobody expected this.'