Ooijer praises 'legend' Tugay

21 May 2009 15:47
Andre Ooijer paid the compliment to the Turkish playmaker ahead of what will also be his last game for the club on Sunday against West Brom. While Tugay is expected to retire, Ooijer has confirmed he is rejoining PSV Eindhoven in his native Holland. Ooijer says he will take away some good memories of his time at Blackburn, in particular having Tugay as a team-mate. "He is a legend, a great guy and a great player," said the Dutch international. "Tugay is one of the best players I have played with. To see what he can do with the ball is amazing. He is one of those special players." Ooijer is bringing the curtain down on three seasons with Blackburn after arriving from the Dutch club in August 2006. He said: "This is going to be my last match on Sunday as I am going back to PSV. I wanted to keep it a little bit quiet as we were in a relegation battle. "It has been a difficult decision as I have had three great years at this club. But it is time for me to go home. I am just happy that Blackburn are safe. "I am sure I have become a better person because it is a big experience to live abroad and play abroad." Ooijer is hoping to help PSV recover from a poor season in which they finished fourth in the table. He said: "Hopefully I can do my best and help them get back up the league again." Ooijer is also keen to continue his international career with Holland having back to back World Cup qualifiers next month against Iceland and Norway. With five straight victories under their belt, a place in the finals is all but secured. Ooijer said: "I will do what I can to stay in there. There is a World Cup coming up and I would like to go to South Africa." Meanwhile New Zealand skipper Ryan Nelsen has ruled himself out of the Confederations Cup next month in South Africa because of a calf injury. He will sit out Blackburn's final match because of the problem and in a statement to the media in his homeland said: "I was really looking forward to playing. "The Confederations Cup is great preparation for the World Cup play-off and I'm just gutted I won't be there now." Blackburn 4/5, Draw 5/2, West Brom 7/2  

Source: Team_Talk