AMSTERDAM : Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders said he decided to leave Manchester City after becoming unhappy with his role at the Premier League club and acknowledged that the financial package offered by Saudi Arabia’s Al Qadsiah was too attractive to turn down.
Reijnders joined the Saudi Pro League side in a surprise 61 million euro ($69.70 million) transfer during the close season. The 28-year-old said he had wanted to operate as a dynamic midfielder capable of contributing in both attack and defence, but increasingly found himself playing in a more advanced role at City.
“In pre-season, I noticed that things were heading in that direction again at City, and I started thinking about whether I wanted another season like that,” Reijnders told reporters as the Netherlands prepared for Thursday’s Nations League match against Germany.
“The honest answer was no. I wanted to look elsewhere, and then I heard from the club that I was allowed to do so.”
Reijnders admitted he initially had reservations about moving to Saudi Arabia, where reports said he signed a four-year contract worth about 100 million euros.
“I think a lot of people have the idea that your career as a top footballer is over when you make a move like this. I initially felt that way too,” he said.
Conversations with Al Qadsiah coach Brendan Rodgers helped change his mind.
“He said I could have three or four very enjoyable years here and then return to Europe. There are enough examples of that now. That is my goal too,” Reijnders said.
The midfielder also defended the standard of football in Saudi Arabia, saying he rated the league highly.
“With all the big names, I actually rate the Saudi league higher than the Eredivisie (Dutch league). If people want to judge the football there, they should watch it first,” he said.
Reijnders said the financial benefits of the move were also an important factor.
“You can always play the moralist, but I think everyone would say yes to that,” he said.
“I don’t want to have to work anymore after my career. I didn’t need to after City either, but now I can also set up future generations of my family well.
“If this choice means my grandchildren can also live comfortably, why wouldn’t I do it?”
($1 = 0.8751 euros)
