Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart has been stripped of the Ajax captaincy folowing his refusal to play out of position in the Champions League game against Bayern Munich.
Ajax earned a UEFA Cup slot after a 2-2 draw against Bayern in Group C, but coach Ronald Koeman dropped van der Vaart to the bench after the midfielder said he would not play on the left wing.
“I wanted to play in my own position. I am a midfielder and don’t feel comfortable when I have to fill in on the left wing,” explained Van der Vaart.
“The coach made his choice but on Sunday we play Vitesse in the first division and I expect to be back in the team.”
In a statement on Thursday the club, said Czech defender Tomas Galasek would take over the captain’s armband.
“Ronald Koeman found his attitude very disappointing in the light of the team’s interests,” the statement read.
