First Julian Draxler scored two goals after coming on as a substitute, then the former national soccer player mysteriously left the pitch.
During the 2:4 defeat of his new club Al Ahli SC against Qatar SC, Draxler suddenly stalked into the dressing room after a pass to a teammate – without being substituted.
“Muscle noticed”
There was speculation that the midfielder had a frustrated reaction or gastrointestinal problems. But it was said to have only been muscle problems. “I noticed my muscle. And the trainer couldn’t make substitutions. That’s why I went down to prevent a major injury. That’s all.”said the 30-year-old on Sky.
In view of the reports and speculation, the club apparently felt compelled to publish a statement solely related to this situation. The 2014 world champion is only out due to an injury “no other reason“went off the field and in relation to “Discipline, commitment and respect for the club, one of the best players”it continued.
Exchange quota exhausted
He was not in the starting line-up due to a muscle injury. Draxler asked for his “exceptionally good performance” then in the 87th minute told the coach and team doctor that he couldn’t finish the game. They said they allowed him to leave the field.
Since the quota of three permitted substitutions had already been exhausted, Al-Ahli SC had to finish the game with only ten players. A few minutes after his departure, Draxler returned.
More money in the Middle East
Draxler moved from Paris Saint-Germain to the Qatari club Al-Ahli SC in Doha in September. In terms of sport, he would no longer have played a role for the French champions this season. Draxler had already been loaned out last season, but had not found his old strength at Benfica Lisbon under coach Roger Schmidt.
The former Bundesliga professional (Schalke/Wolfsburg) openly admitted that the significantly higher earning potential was also a decisive factor in his move to the host country of the 2022 World Cup, which is controversial due to human rights violations.