Reijnders admits he agreed to Saudi move after not feeling part of Maresca's plans

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/reijnders-tijani/f17EnPl3/"]Reijnders[/a], who joined the Saudi Pro League ‌side in a surprise 61 million euro ($69.70 million) move, ‌had wanted to play as a dynamic midfielder, moving between attack ‌and defence, but increasingly found himself playing more as ‌an attacking midfielder.[/p][p][b]"In pre-season, I noticed that things were heading in that direction again at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-city/Wtn9Stg0/"]City[/a], and I started thinking about whether ‌I wanted another season like that,”[/b] he ⁠told reporters as the Dutch ‌national team prepared for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/germany-ptQide1O/netherlands-WYintcWb/?mid=YTiXRfng"]Thursday’s Nations League game[/a] against Germany.[/p][p]“The honest ​answer was no. I wanted to look elsewhere, and then I heard from the club that I ​was allowed to do so.[/p][p][b]"I think a lot of people have the idea that your career as a top ⁠footballer is over when ​you make a move like this. I initially felt that way too,"[/b] he said of the Saudi switch.[/p][p]Discussions with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/al-qadsiah/tvQZtrTd/"]Al Qadsiah[/a] coach Brendan Rodgers convinced him otherwise.[/p][embed guid="33bbfd29-1e7e-467d-90d7-0071e299e428" url="https://x.com/TouchlineX/status/2102452175536312701" social-type="twitter" /][p]"He said I could ‌have three or four very enjoyable years here and then return to Europe. There are enough examples of that now. That is my goal too," Reijnders, 28, said.[/p][p][b]"With all the big names, I actually rate the Saudi league higher than the Eredivisie (Dutch league). If people want to judge the football there, they should watch it first."[/b][/p][p]Reports said Reijnders had signed a deal worth around 100 million euros over ‌four years in Saudi Arabia.[/p][p][b]"You can always play the moralist, ​but I think everyone would say yes to that,"[/b] ‌he said.[/p][p]"I don't want to have to work anymore after my career. I didn't need to after City either, but now I can also set up future generations of my family well.[/p][p][b]"If this choice means my grandchildren ⁠can also live comfortably, ⁠why wouldn't I do ‌it?"[/b][/p]