Former Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga has rejected reports that he joined Saudi clubside Al-Ahli because of money.
Speaking to Cadena SER (via Sport), he immediately clarified the main suspicion that money was the driving factor, answering with a resounding “no” when asked if the decision was purely financially-driven.
Instead, he insisted that going to Saudi Arabia gives him the best chance to mature as a person and as a footballer.
Veiga also revealed that he is still keeping up with former side Celta, whom he backs to turn around their disappointing start-of-the-season form.
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“Did I leave for money? I tell you directly no,” he began. “Everyone has their opinion, their way of thinking, their life and has to make decisions, but there were other factors that tipped the balance and I am very proud of the step I have taken.
“Among all the options I was considering, it was the one that allowed me to grow the most as a footballer, to mature with a young coach, in a team with great stars and in a league that is growing a lot.
“It was a step to look towards the future, although there are many people who do not understand it, and I am not going to ask them to understand it. For me it was the best step I could take.”
“You never know how much a league like the Arab one can grow, to which many stars are coming and they are also happy, as sometimes Cristiano says.
“You never know what can happen, but my motivation one day could also be to win titles in Europe, play in the Champions League… You never know, two years ago I couldn’t imagine myself in Arabia either and now I’m very happy.”
