⚽ Reijnders Explains His Manchester City Exit
Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has revealed why he decided to leave Manchester City and join Saudi club Al Qadsiah, explaining that his dissatisfaction with his role was one of the main reasons behind his decision.
Reijnders joined Al Qadsiah in a deal worth €61 million, saying he wanted a more complete midfield role that would allow him to contribute both offensively and defensively.
📢 “I Wasn’t Happy With My Role”
Reijnders explained that he preferred playing as a complete midfielder but noticed during Manchester City’s preseason preparations that his role was once again moving increasingly toward that of an attacking midfielder.
Speaking as the Netherlands prepared to face Germany in the Nations League, he said: “During preseason I noticed that things were heading in that direction again at Manchester City, so I started asking myself whether I wanted to go through another season in that role.”
He added: “The honest answer was no. I wanted to look for a new opportunity, and then I learned from the club that this was allowed.”
💰 The Major Financial Offer From Al Qadsiah
Alongside his desire for a different footballing role, Reijnders acknowledged that he could not ignore the substantial financial offer made by Al Qadsiah.
Reports have indicated that the Dutch midfielder signed a four-year contract worth around €100 million in total, making the move a significant financial step for both the player and his family.
🇸🇦 Reijnders Responds to Saudi League Criticism
The Al Qadsiah midfielder also addressed the criticism surrounding his move to Saudi Arabia, saying he understood why some people might view such a transfer as a departure from the highest level of European football.
“I think many people see a footballer’s top-level career as ending when he takes a step like this. At first, I felt the same way,” Reijnders said.
However, conversations with Al Qadsiah coach Brendan Rodgers convinced him to reconsider, with the manager telling him that he could enjoy several successful years in Saudi Arabia before potentially returning to Europe.
“He told me that I could have three or four very enjoyable years here and then return to Europe. There are many examples of that at the moment, and that is also my goal,” he added.
🏆 Reijnders Rates Saudi Football Highly
The 28-year-old also offered his view on the level of the Saudi Pro League, saying: “With all these big names, I actually think the Saudi league is stronger than the Dutch league.”
He added: “If people want to judge the level of football there, they should watch it first.”
His comments reflect his response to the criticism surrounding his move and his assessment based on his direct experience of the Saudi competition.
👨👩👧👦 Securing His Family’s Future
Reijnders also acknowledged that the financial aspect was an important consideration, stressing that his decision was not only about personal benefit but also about securing his family’s long-term future.
“Anyone can take a moral position on it, but I think most people will understand this decision,” he said.
He added: “I don’t want to have to work after my football career ends. Even after leaving Manchester City, I didn’t need to, but this move also allows me to secure my family’s future for generations to come.”
Reijnders concluded: “If this decision can also give my grandchildren a comfortable life, why shouldn’t I make it?”
🔥 A New Experience With Different Ambitions
Reijnders’ comments suggest that his move to Al Qadsiah was not based on a single factor, but rather a combination of sporting and financial considerations, including his desire for a more satisfying role and the opportunity to secure his family’s future.
According to his comments, the midfielder’s aim is to make the most of his experience in Saudi Arabia while keeping open the possibility of returning to European football in the future.
