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Defender John Heitinga returns to old club Ajax with one-year deal

John Heitinga of Everton in action during the Pre Season Friendly match between Blackburn Rovers and Everton FC at Ewood Park
Image: Former Everton defender John Heitinga has rejoined Ajax

Veteran defender John Heitinga has signed a one-year deal with former club Ajax, the club announced on Thursday.

Heitinga was out of contract after playing last season in the Bundesliga for Hertha Berlin, and has penned a season-long deal with the option of a further year.

The former Everton defender is a product of Ajax's youth development program, and played 215 matches for the first team before heading overseas, where he has also played for Atletico Madrid and Fulham.

He has made 87 international appearances for the Netherlands, including the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg, in which he was sent off as the Dutch lost 1-0 to Spain.

The 31-year-old will join up with Frank de Boer’s side ahead of the new season, when they will look to wrestle back the Eredivisie title after PSV halted their run of four consecutive triumphs last term.

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