Aymeric Laporte also moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer. The former Manchester City star is now speaking openly about his living situation there.
The Spanish international Aymeric Laporte has reported disillusionment among many European football professionals in the country after his move to the Saudi Pro League. “They didn’t make it easy for us. In fact, there are a lot of players who are unhappy,” said the 29-year-old in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS. “It’s a big change compared to Europe, but in the end it’s about adaptation.”
Laporte moved from English Champions League winners Manchester City to Saudi club Al-Nassr in August. There he is, among other things, a teammate of five-time world footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. “It’s also something new for them to have European players with them who have had a long career,” said Laporte about his experience of professional football in Saudi Arabia. “Maybe they’re not used to this and need to prepare for a little more seriousness.”
“You wonder what to do”
He and other players worked every day to negotiate things and improve the situation. “They care about us, but not enough for my taste.” The defender also said that he “expected something different” when it came to the quality of life in Saudi Arabia. “You spend three hours a day in the car here.”
Former Liverpool professional Jordan Henderson moved back to Europe to Ajax Amsterdam after less than six months in Saudi Arabia. Former world champion Karim Benzema is also reportedly considering the possibility of a return.
Laporte said he had not previously considered this option. “But when you’re disappointed after such a short time, you naturally wonder what you should do,” he said. “The moment has not come yet, but it could come in the future.”