Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly has revealed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal was influenced by money.
Koulibaly joined Al-Hilal from Chelsea and was officially unveiled by the club over the weekend bringing an end to his time in the Premier League.
The 32-year-old is reportedly set to earn a staggering £300,000 per week at his new club joining a number of high-profile players to move to Saudi in the last year.
He explained the rationale behind his decision to leave the European scene.
“I can’t deny it, I’m going to Arabia for the money. I will be able to help my whole family to live well, from my parents to my cousins,” Koulibaly said according to statements reported by ‘Corriere dello Sport’.
“I will be able to invest in the activities of my charity Capitane du Coeur in Senegal. We started to build a clinic in the village where my parents were born and raised, I have many projects to help young people.”
Koulibaly also justified his move to Saudi on religious grounds.
“I am a Muslim, I am coming to a country that is ideal for me and my family. Mecca is close, I will feel better because I am a believer, so it is important for me,” he added,
Source: Myjoyonline