The Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has revealed in a recent interview the reason behind his move to Saudi Pro League side, Al-Kholood from Greek champions PAOK last month.
Troost-Ekong opened up on his surprising decision to leave Europe for the Middle East during an exclusive interview with a Podcaster.
Despite being at the top of his game, he won his first European league with PAOK Salonika in Greece.
However, Ekong has stunned many of his fans with the move to Al-Kholood, but the 31-year-old said it was a decision he gave several thoughts.
“It was something I wasn’t thinking about before the AFCON,” he admitted.
“I was playing in Greek PAOK. I was playing European football, winning the league, something I hadn’t done before, and we are aiming for the Champions League, and now they finally achieved the European League.
“During the AFCON, I was trying to focus on performing for Nigeria.
“Surely after that, the rumors started, and my agent spoke with many clubs from around the world, but there was a lot of interest from Saudi Arabia,” the Nigerian team captain added.
“The months after I was focused on getting fit again. And when we came together again at the start of the season, we spoke about everything, and then I made up my mind that it was something I wanted to do if the offer was right.”
Troost-Ekong further revealed that the offer from Saudi Arabia was too good to resist, especially considering his age, and the need to secure his future.
The 31-year-old player said, “I got an offer I couldn’t turn down. I am 31, now I have to think about the big picture. I think the Saudi Pro League is competitive; you see, the names that are playing there in my first game were Benzema, Kante, and Fabinho, players that are world-level. But at the same time, everybody talks about the opportunity you have there to guarantee your future to think about my family, kids.”
The Super Eagle star won the 2023/2024 Greek Super League title with PAOK FC, but he will be plying his trade in the Middle East next season.
Troost-Ekong has been on the radar of Saudi clubs for some time, with Greek outlet Gazzetta Greece last month reporting that Shabab Al-Ahli were close to capturing the experienced defender.
Meanwhile, Shabab Al-Ahli were banking on their manager, Paulo Souza, to aid in facilitating the signing of the Nigerian.
Troost-Ekong and manager had worked together at Salernitana before the Portuguese coach was dismissed in October 2023, four months after Troost-Ekong left for PAOK Salonika in Greece.
Eventually, Shabab Al-Ahli lost the battle after the Nigerian opted to join rivals Al-Kholood.
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