Tijjani Reijnders on Man City exit: Money grabber? I can’t deny that

Tijjani Reijnders has admitted the money on offer in Saudi Arabia played a major part in his decision to leave City after just one season at the Etihad.

The Netherlands midfielder joined Al Qadsiah during the summer after City agreed a £52m deal and has now spoken openly about why he accepted the move.

Asked by Dutch broadcaster NOS whether it was fair to call him a “money grabber”, Reijnders replied: “I can’t deny that.”

Reijnders explains financial reasons for City exit

Reijnders said the contract offered by Al Qadsiah would allow him to provide for his family long after his playing career is over.

“You can always play the moral crusader, but I think everyone would say yes to that,” he said. “I don’t want to work anymore after my career. I didn’t have to anymore after City, but now I can also do well for generations after me.”

Reijnders added: “If my grandchildren can also live well because of this choice, why wouldn’t I do it?”

The 28-year-old completed his move to Al Qadsiah in August, ending his City career only a year after arriving at the Etihad. He also defended the standard of football in Saudi Arabia, insisting he couldn’t simply coast through matches and claiming the Saudi Pro League is stronger than the Eredivisie.

“It’s not like I can play at 65 per cent every match there,” he said. “I rate the Saudi league, with all those big names, even higher than the Eredivisie.”

Maresca role also influenced Reijnders

Money wasn’t the only reason Reijnders gave for leaving City. He also told NOS that he prefers playing as a box-to-box midfielder and wasn’t as comfortable operating further forward as a No.10, where Enzo Maresca often used him last season.

Reijnders made 50 appearances in all competitions during his only season at the Etihad, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists. His comments follow earlier reflections on his City departure, when he also discussed the position he had been asked to play under Maresca.

This time, however, Reijnders was equally open about the other attraction of moving to Saudi Arabia. The financial offer was part of his thinking and he sees little reason to apologise for accepting it.

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