Sergiño Dest baffled that leaving Qatar camp became a headline-maker | OneFootball

Ajax and United States international Sergiño Dest caused a bit of a stir last week after leaving Ajax’s Qatar-based training camp early after his request was granted by the club.

Dest was concerned over escalating political tensions between the United States and Iran, which was also the reason the American national team decided to abandon their own training camp in Qatar the week prior.

Though Dest was supposed to be involved in a pair of club friendlies last week (wins v Belgium’s Eupen and Club Brugge), he trained with Jong Ajax instead.

“I just didn’t feel comfortable there and I have spoken about that with the staff and they understood and let me go home,” Dest told FOX Sports Netherlands.

“As I said, it shocked me that went on to [become] such a big thing.”

While his decision caused headlines around the world, he revealed that Ajax had his back the entire time.

“They really helped me. And now I am focusing on football again.”

After a long winter break, the Eredivisie leaders will host Sparta Rotterdam this Sunday.