£55m Forest target admits money motive after Al-Qadsiah move and failed City Ground switch | OneFootball

Former Manchester City man Tijjani Reijnders has joined Al-Qadsiah despite interest from Nottingham Forest and other European clubs. The Saudi Pro League side, managed by Brendan Rodgers, paid a reported €61m, £52.4m.

"Me a money grabber? I can't deny that." He told Dutch outlet NOS.

"You can always play the moral crusader, but I think everyone would say yes to that. I don't want to work anymore after my career."

"I didn't have to anymore after City, but now I can also do well for generations after me. If my grandchildren can also live well because of this choice, why wouldn't I do it?"

"During pre-season, I noticed that things were heading in that direction again with City, and I started wondering if I wanted to continue like that for another season. The honest answer was no."

"I think many people have the idea that your career as a top footballer is over when you choose to take such a step. I had that feeling at first too." "He said that I can play here perfectly fine for three or four years with great pleasure and then go back to Europe."

Reijnders was said to be open to a £55m switch to the City Ground, but Forest could not agree a fee with City. Atletico Madrid and Juventus were also credited with interest.

He has made five appearances for Al-Qadsiah, scoring three goals, most recently in a 3-3 draw with Al-Ettifaq this month.

Source: Nottingham Post

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”