Aaron Bouwman has spoken publicly for the first time about the challenge from Ruben van Bommel that sidelined him for several weeks, with the Ajax defender making clear that he has now put the controversial incident behind him.

The 19-year-old returned to action on Saturday as Ajax drew with NEC at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Head coach Míchel introduced Bouwman in the 72nd minute, marking the end of a five-week spell on the sidelines.

“I’m happy that I can be back on the pitch,” Bouwman told ESPN after the match.

Bouwman was injured in early September following a heavy challenge from Van Bommel during Ajax’s 3-1 defeat to PSV. The PSV winger avoided a red card, and the incident was widely discussed after the match.

For Bouwman, however, the priority throughout the past five weeks was recovery rather than the controversy surrounding the tackle.

“I just went through it normally. Just focusing on my return and recovering. I’m happy that I can stand here again,” the Ajax defender said.

“Over the past few weeks I have been working hard to come back strongly.”

The defender also revealed that one of the injuries he suffered made breathing particularly uncomfortable.

“A bruised lung while breathing was the most unpleasant thing. I had never had that before, so that was something new as well,” Bouwman explained.

He has now recovered fully and is no longer playing with pain.

“I came through it well in the end. There’s nothing wrong any more.”

Despite the attention surrounding the challenge, Bouwman does not want the incident to be discussed any further.

The young defender was firm when asked about Van Bommel and the events that led to his lengthy absence, making clear that his focus is now firmly on football.

“I’ve completely left it behind me now and I don’t really feel the need to talk about it any further,” Bouwman said, as quoted by GOAL.

“I’m happy that I’m back out on the pitch now. It happened and that’s just how it is.”

His return against NEC therefore represented an important step after a difficult period. Having completed his rehabilitation and returned to the Ajax squad, Bouwman can now concentrate on regaining his rhythm and competing for minutes under Míchel.

For the defender, the controversy surrounding his injury is no longer the priority. His focus is on being back on the pitch and moving forward.