An African star has revealed why he chose to join the Saudi Pro League in a lucrative move in August, highlighting his desire to secure his family's future.
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong joined Al Kholood from Greek outfit PAOK FC last month for a reported fee of €1.1 million (around R21 million).
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The 31-year-old made his last appearance for the European side in December last year, before jetting off to represent his national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The centre-back helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the competition, where they fell just short, suffering a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast.
After returning to his club, the 31-year-old picked up an injury that kept him out of action until the end of the season.
As a result of his performances at the AFCON, though, the former Watford star attracted the interest of a variety of Middle Eastern sides.
Speaking on the Counter Attack Podcast, Troost-Ekong said that he saw the opportunity to secure his family's future with the move to Saudi.
"It was something I wasn't thinking about before the AFCON," he revealed.
"I was playing in Greek PAOK. I was playing European football, winning the league, something I haven't done before, and we are aiming for the Champions League and now they finally achieve European League.
"During the AFCON, I was trying to focus on performing for Nigeria.
"Surely, after that, the rumours started and my agent spoke with many clubs from around the world, but there was a lot of interest from Saudi Arabia.
"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.
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"Then I made my mind up that it was something I wanted to do if the offer was right, but at the same time everybody talks about the opportunity you have there to guarantee your future to think about my family, kids."