Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has hinted he didn't want to move to Saudi Arabia last summer as he had eyes on a stunning return to former club Feyenoord.
The 33-year-old, who started his professional career at Feyenoord, left Paris Saint-Germain and joined Al-Ettifaq on a three-year contract in September. Wijnaldum spent last season on loan at Roma and became the latest European star signed by Steven Gerrard after the likes of Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembele.
During his time at the Dammam-based outfit so far, Wijnaldum has scored seven goals in 21 appearances and started in their 1-1 draw against Al-Tai on Friday. However, the Netherlands international has now revealed he wanted to move to Feyernood instead of joining Al-Ettifaq.
"I would have really liked to go to Feyenoord in the summer, but PSG asked for 10 million euros," Wijnaldum told ESPN during the international break. "And then my salary. It was virtually impossible. Maybe with a lot of compromise, but I didn't want that. There weren't many options beyond that."
Ronald Koeman made a huge decision this week to recall Wijnaldum to the Netherlands squad ahead of two friendlies against Scotland and Germany. Wijnaldum has not featured for his country since coming on as a second-half substitute in the Nations League third-place play off against Italy last June.
He missed the entirety of the international fixtures during the Autumn but could be in contention to make his 91st Netherlands appearance against Scotland on Friday evening. Netherlands finished second in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, four points behind France and will compete in this summer's tournament.
Wijnaldum will be hoping for a strong end to the season at Al-Ettifaq to keep himself in contention for a place in Koeman's final squad. Amid the criticism faced at Saudi Arabia since their influx of high-profile players, Wijnaldum did, however, jump to the defence of the league.
He told NOS, via NL Times : "Everybody has an image of Saudi Arabia, but I have to say, for me, it has been very different. I really have to see how society works, and see what is and is not allowed. And whether or not gays are allowed somewhere? That is something I I didn't see it.
"From what I have seen, everybody is welcome in Saudi, and life is actually very good."
Al-Ettifaq currently sit sixth in the Saudi Pro League table and face Al-Ahli, who boast Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Allan Saint-Maximim among their ranks, in their first game after the international break on March 29.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.