Tijjani Reijnders explains move to Saudi Arabia for life-changing money | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders has given a blunt rationale for his move to Al-Qadsiah, saying life-changing money drove the switch. The Netherlands midfielder left Manchester City after one season in a £52m deal.

"Me a money grabber? I can't deny that. Once my playing career is over, I don’t want to have to work anymore," he told NOS.

"I’m not going to lie about that. By signing this contract, I can make sure even my grandchildren are financially secure, so why wouldn’t I do it?" He is set to earn a reported £86m over a multi-year contract.

Reijnders joined City from AC Milan for £46.5m and made 50 appearances without a consistent run, unhappy at being used as a number 10 rather than a box-to-box eight. Interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus did not progress, with City’s valuation pointing him towards Saudi Arabia.

"It's not like I can play at 65 percent every match there. I rate the Saudi league, with all those big names, even higher than the Eredivisie. If people want to pass judgment on the football there, they have to see it first."

"He (Rodgers) said that I can play here perfectly fine for three or four years with great pleasure and then go back to Europe. There are plenty of examples of that now. That is also my goal."

Al-Qadsiah sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League. Reijnders remains in the Netherlands squad under newly appointed national coach Xavi and has scored three goals in five games for his new club.

Source: Goal.com

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