Yannick Carrasco (foto: /)
He could have played in Europe, many matches per season, but at thirty, Yannick Carrasco decided he'd rather move to an easier league for considerably more money.
Belgian international Yannick Carrasco is among the footballers who took the opportunity for a lucrative deal this year. The Saudi Arabian league opened up, where clubs currently offer some of the best salaries globally. Carrasco transferred to the slightly less prominent Al Shabab, but for an excellent wage.
At the Belgian national team press conference, where the 30-year-old still plays, he clarified his reason for moving to Saudi Arabia after three years playing for Atletico Madrid in the Spanish league.
"I see you're all interested in my transfer. Look, I'm 30 years old, and my contract with Atletico was ending. I chose financial stability with Al Shabab. I didn't want to take risks. You'd think twice too if you received such an offer," Carrasco stated.
"The league is progressing; big stars have gone there. Is it just about the money? It's a bit of everything. I love adventures; this might be an exciting story. I'm getting to know a new culture and a new league. It was also the only concrete offer I had. I called Barcelona, but nothing happened," continued the former Monaco player.
Carrasco had previously left for "crazy" money years ago. He was in China when there was a significant flow of money there. However, his adventure with Dalian Professional didn't turn out very well.