'AZ is more special for people around me'
- Published
Tottenham's Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar will carry a tangible sense of home for defender Micky van de Ven.
The 23-year-old Dutch international spent time in the club's academy before charting his course to the Premier League via another Dutch club Volendam, and German club Wolfsburg.
However despite the link to his formative years the defender has said that the fixture does not carry any special significance for him personally.
"Maybe me playing against AZ (on Thursday night) is more special for the people around me, not so much for me. Of course, I have friends who support AZ. For me, it's like playing against each other team," he said.
Van de Ven does still hold a sweet spot for the city where his dad Marcel still lives though, including one restaurant in particular.
"The owner of this (Do Koning) restaurant is a good mate of my dad's - my dad lives in Alkmaar," the defender added.
"I don't think I will get a discount if I play well (on Thursday) because then probably we will beat them."
Tottenham will be aiming to continue their 100% start in the Europa League, having won their opening two games by an aggregate score of 5-1.