Ruben Neves (27, Al-Hilal), who played alongside Hwang Hee-chan at Wolverhampton until last season, is happy in Saudi Arabia.
“I was close to three clubs, but in the end it didn’t happen, which made me sad and helped me make the decision to go to Al Hilal,” Neves told Portugal’s O Jogu, according to TalkSPORT on Monday (Aug. 28).
The Portuguese midfielder made waves in 2017 when he joined Wolverhampton from Porto in what was then the Championship (second division). After the end of last season, Neves made another move, this time to the Saudi League.
After gaining recognition in the Premier League, Neves was the subject of interest from Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle United, among others. However, 카지노사이트 Neves moved to Al-Hilal last summer for a fee of €55 million and a three-year contract.
At the time, fans and local media accused Neves of choosing money. In reality, Neves reportedly earns a weekly salary of £300,000 before taxes at Al Hilal. This compares to the £58,000 he was paid at Wolverhampton.
Hwang Hee-chan also tried to get hold of Neves, the former Wolverhampton captain, but to no avail.
Neves has settled in well at Al-Hilal this season. He has four goals and six assists in 28 games, including one goal (six assists) in 20 league games.
“I don’t want to mention names, but Barcelona wanted me the most, I’m not lying,” he says. “I almost signed a contract with Arsenal, too. There were other clubs outside the Premier League,” he says, adding that he could have gone to any of them.
“I don’t feel different playing in Saudi Arabia compared to my teammates playing in Europe,” he said, adding, “My fitness is great. Maybe one day I will be able to return to Europe and play at the highest level. But to be honest, I have no plans to go back,” he said, dismissing the possibility of an immediate return to Europe.
“The way things are going, Saudi Arabia can be one of the most important leagues in the world in two years,” he said, adding that “it’s no secret and the quality of the players here is very high.”
This is a similar view to that of Portugal senior Cristiano Ronaldo (39, Al Nasr), who said last year, “In my opinion, the Saudi league is getting better and better, 안전놀이터 and next year it will be even better.” “I think it can be among the top five leagues in the world if it grows step by step,” he said.
“If each team would bet on eight foreign players at that level, it would almost be a PlayStation Championship,” Neves said, adding, “I believe it could happen in two years. Who knows, it might take a little longer,” he said of the league’s prospects.
