While half Europe realized they saw another young Dutch star-in-the-making, the player himself could only think of his exams. “I got a A for Economy,†Wijnaldum smiled broadly.
He doesn’t have a lot of time for this interview, he needs to go back to school to study for his math exams. This is a teenager right out of the Barack Obama book of ideal people. He talks softly, politely and tells us he first wants to finish his high school and then he wants to become a great player. Step by step.
“I don’t want to become this other person, suddenly. The kids at school keep me grounded. If they tell me I’m still the same Georginio, then I’m happy. And I think I am.â€
Teammates and fans can’t get enough of him. “Now that’s one good bloke,†one fan says. “No bravado, like Van Persie when he was here. A kid with promise, but who knows his place in the universe.â€
“I’ve always been pretty quiet and normal. I like making jokes and fooling around, like any kid. But I’m never the first one to speak. I’m the kid at the back and I like it that way.â€
His life is like any average young kid in Rotterdam. He takes the metro or the bus. He lives in “Westâ€, plays his football “on South†and goes to school in “Eastâ€.
“Biseswar or Makaay sometimes drop me off. After training I go to school for some hours and then back home. Studying and resting.â€
There’s hardly time for interviews. And Gertjan Verbeek told him that this would be the last interview this year. “That’s probably for the best. There’s a lot going on and I need to rest a lot.â€
Wijnaldum lives with his grandmother, who raised him from when he was six years old. “My mum lives in Amsterdam. I was supposed to come with her, but I just got in to Sparta and I loved my gran very much, so I decided to hang her.â€
He isn’t planning on leaving her or Rotterdam any time soon. Even with scouts from Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton in the stands. Wijnaldum shrugs his shoulders.
“Of course it’s cool that there’s interest. And those are big clubs!â€, said Wijnaldum. “But I want to be important for Feyenoord first. I don’t think I’m ready for a jump. I need to learn more and the Eredivisie is perfect for me. I will need at least a couple of years before I’m ready. Dirk Kuyt is my role model. He left Feyenoord when he was the best. I am not that far. I haven’t even made it in the first team as a starter. I haven’t even played for half a season. I’m not ready for this, so…â€
Wijnaldum won’t follow the tracks of Royston Drenthe. “I know Roy well and I talked to him about his move. He listened to his heart and one can only respect that. My manager agrees with me, though. He could make money if I left now, but he agrees that I should prove myself in Holland first.â€
Wijnaldum was the youngest player ever for Feyenoord 1 when he made his debut. Last season, however, he hardly played under Van Marwijk.
“I knew my chance would come. I am a patient guy. And it’s going ok now, but you never know. It’s going to be tough to keep this level up, but I’m eager to maintain my form. I am hungry for more.â€
Wijnaldum hopes to graduate in May. “I need to finish math and economy. When I have my diploma, I can focus on football 100%. Oh, I aso want to get my drivers’ license… But, that’ll come one day. Step by step…â€
