Daley Blind was crowned the best player in the Dutch league in his final season for Ajax, his boyhood club, before leaving for Manchester United to play for Louis van Gaal.

On Wednesday night he will face his former club in the Europa League final but insists that there are no doubts over where his loyalties lie.

Everybody knows I support Ajax, that I am from Amsterdam, and that I played there from the age of seven. Ajax is in my heart – but on Wednesday night I am United. I am a red and I want to win the final, more than anything in the world.

When I started in the first team at Ajax it all went well. But then I had a period where it was a bit more difficult. I went on loan, came back stronger, but had to fight my way back into the team. It was how I developed into the person and player I am now. There are no hard feelings. I am proud I reached the level to play for Manchester United.

It will be a special night.