VIDEO: Ajax soccer star pumping up fans for home World Cup

The anchor of Canada’s defence at the World Cup, Ajax soccer star and starting centre-back Derek Cornelius, has released a video pumping up residents as the team opens the tournament on Friday against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cornelius was born and raised in Ajax before launching a career that has taken him to Germany, Serbia, Greece and Malmo before splitting time during the past two seasons with French giant Marseille and Scottish ‘Old Firm’ club Glasgow Rangers.

He has been capped 44 times for Canada and opened his account with the nation last September with a banger of a free kick goal against Wales.

Cornelius said in the video he is “excited, ready and pumped for this home World Cup” and looking forward to representing Ajax proudly. He is also encouraging residents to head down to Pat Bayly Square to watch Canada at World Cup watch parties.

“Tell your friends, tell your family, bring your jerseys and bring the energy,” he said. “We’re going to make something special here at this World Cup and we’re going to need everyone’s support.”

“Let’s go Canada and let’s do this together.”

The Town of Ajax has a special council meeting on Tuesday to temporarily rename Pat Bayly Square in honour of Cornelius. If it’s approved, there will be an unveiling ceremony before the game against Qatar on Thursday.