AMERICAN international Sergino Dest has left Ajax’s training camp in Qatar amid the rising political tension in the Middle East.
Nearby Iran are threatening serious retaliation against the United States after the assassination of their military general Qasem Soleimani.
Dest, 19, made his Ajax debut in JulyCredit: Getty – Contributor
With American individuals in the region reportedly under threat of being targeted, Dest has left Ajax’s workout and is returning to the Netherlands.
Born in the Dutch city of Almere, the teenage defender is a United States international having qualified for the team through his father.
Announcing his full-time allegiance to the Stars and Stripes last year, he has three caps for the senior team.
In a statement, Ajax confirmed: “Sergino Dest has asked if he could leave Ajax’s training camp in Qatar.
“He didn’t feel comfortable. Ajax understands his request and has responded to it.”
A product of the Amsterdam club’s famed academy, right-back Dest is enjoying a breakout season with 24 first-team appearances to his name.
The fragile geopolitical scene in Iran collapsed after the killing of Soleimani, put down by US president Donald Trump as a retaliation to previous attacks by Iranian-linked forces.
The Asian nation has since vowed to take action of its own – firing missiles on Iraqi airbases hosting US and coalition troops.
Several football teams remain in the Middle East amid the tension, including Celtic and Rangers in Dubai.
Official UK foreign office advice remains relatively calm for the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, noting that visitors should “remain vigilant” with the “possibility of an increased threat against Western interests”.
Two rockets explode near US embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone as Iran tensions reach breaking point
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
