Tijjani Reijnders has defended his decision to leave Manchester City for Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah, acknowledging that the salary on offer was part of his reasoning.
The 28-year-old departed the Etihad in the summer after just one season, during which he made 50 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists. Al Qadsiah paid £52m for the Dutch midfielder.
In an interview with NOS, Reijnders explained that his desire to play as a box-to-box midfielder rather than a number ten, as Maresca intended, prompted him to seek an exit. “During pre-season, I noticed that things were heading in that direction again with City,” he said. “I started wondering if I wanted to continue like that for another season. The honest answer was no.”
On criticism that the move was purely financial, Reijnders replied: “Me a money grabber? I can’t deny that.” He argued that securing his family’s future justified the decision. “If my grandchildren can also live well because of this choice, why wouldn’t I do it?” He has since scored three goals in six appearances for Al Qadsiah and has been selected by the Netherlands under new head coach Xavi.
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