Kalidou Koulibaly is one of many recognizable footballers that have decided to leave Europe for the Saudi Pro League.
The Senegalese center-back, regarded as one of the best defenders during his time at Napoli, left the Serie A heavyweights last summer for a move to Premier League giants Chelsea. Unfortunately, his debut season in London did not go well as he was one of several players to underperform in the Blues disappointing 2022/23 campaign.
As a result, Chelsea decided to move the 32-year-old on, which is understandable, but what caught everyone off guard was the player's decision to transfer to the Saudi Pro League. The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner joined the likes of Ruben Neves; former Chelsea teammates N'Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech, and Edouard Mendy; and Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema in trading Europe for the Middle Eastern powerhouse.
Many began accusing the Senegalese captain of choosing money over glory. However, the center-back has offered his side of the story in an interview with Corriere dello Sport, admitting that as a Muslim, Saudi Arabia is a destination that suits him well. Additionally, he explained that he isn't simply seeking wealth but looks to give back to his home country.
"I am happy with my decisions for many reasons. I am Muslim and I land in the right country. I am happy to play in a league that is evolving and I hope I can help Saudi Arabia and Al-Hilal write history in sports and this contract is really important. I can help my family live well, my parents and cousins, and sustain the social activities of my NGO in Senegal: Capitane du Coeur. We started with constructing a pediatric clinic in the village where my parents were born and married. It's called Ngano," the Lions of Teranga captain said.
And that's not all Koulibaly had to say. His arrival came with much excitement but his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge left a lot to be desired. Despite this, the player was adamant that his season wasn't as bad as many made it out to seem. Instead, he argued that the club and the coach failed to give him adequate time to prove himself.
Furthermore, the defender added that he wasn't guaranteed playing time at Stamford Bridge and with AFCON returning in less than a year, Koulibaly is eager to get onto the pitch and maintain his fitness to help his national team defend their title.
"I had no guarantees to get regular playing time [at Chelsea], I was always professional but I don't like to sit on the bench doing nothing.
"I prefer a place where I am wanted and at the centre of the project and can be an example for young players. The Premier League is fantastic and there are great players.
"They expected the Koulibaly of Napoli, but I think my season was not so bad. I needed time and in one year I couldn't prove what I wanted because of the coach's and club's choices. I am happy with what I learned about my limits, my family and my kids.
"My time had come and I had to make a decision. My team-mates sent me so many messages, they are all sorry, but I have to prepare for the AFCON. It's the most important thing for me, Senegal want to win again, but it won't be easy."
