Everton midfielder Davy Klaassen returns to bid farewell to Ajax as Dutch giants are beaten at home by Vitesse

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Everton midfielder Davy Klaassen has made an emotional return to bid farewell to Ajax having left the club in a £23.6million deal over the summer following six distinguished years.

Klaassen played 55 minutes of Everton's hard fought 2-1 win over Bournemouth at Goodison Park on Saturday, but he was substituted having struggled to make an impression.

Ronald Koeman, the midfielder's Dutch manager, allowed him to return to his homeland on Sunday and he was given a hero's welcome by the home crowd ahead of the Eredivisie clash with Vitesse Arnhem.

Everton midfielder Davy Klaassen waves to the crowd at the Amsterdam ArenA on Sunday

Klaassen signs a ball for an Ajax supporter as he made an emotional return to his former club

The Holland international was paraded on the pitch prior to kick-off and went on a lap of honour in which he distributed signed match balls to those in attendance with a banner held aloft by supporters which read, in Dutch: 'Thanks Davy'.

Smoke bellowed from fireworks going off pitchside as the player applauded those who once idolised him during six seasons in Amsterdam, in which he scored 49 goals in 163 appearances. 

Ajax's social media team put together a moving tribute video for their former fans' favourite on the day of his return to the Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday, an 85-second long compilation of his goals at the club.

While Klaassen has so far failed to replicate the productivity of his performances in an Ajax shirt at Everton, the Dutch club have sorely missed his all-action displays.

The Dutch giants marked Klaassen's return with fireworks prior to the 2-1 defeat by Vitesse

The Holland international won three Eredivisie titles with Ajax during six seasons at the club

Under the guidance of Frank de Boer, Klaassen won three Eredivisie titles between 2012 and 2014, and he led the side to the Europa League final during Peter Bosz's solitary season in charge.

But Bosz's successor Marcel Keizer has found life difficult so far, with Ajax's 2-1 defeat by Vitesse leaving the side seventh in the table on 10 points after six games - five points off leaders PSV.

Klaassen took his seat in the directors' box to witness Ajax defender Guram Kashia give the visitors the lead after 21 minutes and Milot Rashica made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.

The 24-year-old was substituted in Everton's 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon

Klaassen is yet to score for his club in nine appearances since his £23.6million move

Nick Viergever reduced the arrears for the hosts with seven minutes remaining but Vitesse held on to seal all three points. 

Keizer said after the game: 'From the beginning, we were not in the match. After first goal very quickly we changed over to 3-4-3.

'But today was a complete off day. The players can play a lot better, and I need to make sure I get more from this group.'