In an exclusive interview with the Counter Attack Podcast, Troost-Ekong discussed his decision to leave Europe for the Middle East.
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Despite recently winning his first European league title with PAOK Salonika in Greece and the prospect of competing in UEFA club tournaments this season, the 31-year-old surprised many fans by opting for a move to Al-Kholood—a choice he carefully considered before making.
“It was something I wasn’t thinking about before the AFCON,” Troost-Ekong admitted.
“I was playing in Greek PAOK. I was playing European football, winning the league, something I hadn’t done before, and we are aiming for the Champions League, and now they finally achieved the 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, and then I made up my mind that it was something I wanted to do if the offer was right.”
He added, “I got an offer I couldn’t turn down. I am 31, now I have to think about the big picture. ”I think the Saudi Pro League is competitive; you see, the names that are playing there in my first game were Benzema, Kante, and Fabinho, players that are world-level. ””But at the same time, everybody talks about the opportunity you have there to guarantee your future to think about my family, kids.”
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