The cries of ‘shoot!’ can be heard from the City of Manchester Stadium all the way back to Amsterdam whenever de Jong collects the ball within range of the opposition’s goal and the irony is not lost on the hugely popular Dutch midfielder.
With 72 appearances for City since his 2008 move from Hamburg, de Jong acknowledges it’s time to get his name on the score sheet, but he enjoys the banter with the City faithful for who love his totally committed never-say-die attitude.
“It makes me smile,” said Nigel. “It’s weird because I’ve always scored goals at all my previous clubs but I’ve not really come close yet with City.
I think maybe I need to get forward a bit more and hopefully I’ll connect with something sooner or later. It has to come!
...Nigel de Jong
De Jong has actually netted one goal since joining City – a headed effort for Holland against Iceland in June 2009 - though that proved to be his only goal in 50 starts for his country to date.
He managed eight goals for Ajax and a couple for Hamburg in the seven years prior to moving to England, but he promises it will be a moment to remember when he does finally break his duck.
“It will be a happy moment, I’m sure of that,” he said. “Maybe I’ll hear the cry of ‘shoot!’ and I’ll do exactly that and the ball will go in the back of the net. I’ll think of something special for the fans for my celebration – I’ve had plenty of time to think about it!”
