Denilho Cleonise is happy with his decision not to wait around for Premier League offers and move to Genoa.

The Dutch youngster was just handed his full debut by Genoa coach Thiago Motta.

At Ajax, Cleonise attracted enquiries from Watford, while he had successful trials at Arsenal as a 15 year-old. However, the Gunners dragged their feet in offering terms.

“They took too long, so I opted for Ajax," he explained to Voetbalzone.

"I grew up at Ajax, my brother (Nelinho) played there. Ajax always stays in my heart and it was not easy to leave again after a year, but going abroad was my biggest dream at that time. "

Motta started Cleonise in their Coppa Italia defeat of Ascoli last night for the 17 year-old's first team debut.