If it were up to Quinten Timber, he would have remained captain of Feyenoord. On Wednesday evening, prior to the home match against Fernerbahçe, it was announced that he had to hand over the captain’s armband to Sem Steijn and is no longer even a second or third choice.
“I didn’t hand in the captain’s armband myself,” said the 24-year-old Timber after the 2-1 victory, to Ziggo Sport. “The coach will have to say exactly how it is. I wore the captain’s armband with pride. I also have confidence that Sem will do that.”
Coach Robin van Persie hinted after the match that the removal of the captain’s armband has to do with Timber’s contract. That expires after this season. “I also expect a certain commitment to the club from a captain. Quinten has a one-year contract, that also plays a role.”
Timber, who happened to score the opening goal himself, emphasized that he will continue to fully commit to Feyenoord. “I will always wear this logo on my shirt with pride. Am I disappointed? It is nice to wear the captain’s armband and it would have been nice if that could still be the case. But I am especially grateful.”
Timber was also grateful for his beautiful opening goal. “I recently said to Sam Steijn that it seems like I can only score beautiful goals. This was another fine goal. The fact that it is touched doesn’t detract from that. I am happy that I was able to help the team to a good starting position with this.”
Timber’s goal seemed to be nullified in the final phase by a cannonball from former Feyenoord player Sofyan Amrabat (1-1). In injury time, Anis Hadj Moussa still headed in the winning goal for the home team. The return is next Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Istanbul.