In a lucrative move last August, an African star joined the Saudi Pro League in order to secure the future of his family.
Last month, Nigerian captain William Troost-Ekong joined Al Kholood from Greek outfit PAOK FC for a reported €1.1 million (roughly R21 million).
After playing his last match for the European side last December, the 31-year-old headed off to represent his national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
As a centre-back, he helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the competition, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast.
As soon as the 31-year-old returned to his club, he picked up an injury that kept him out until the end of the season.
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A variety of Middle Eastern clubs showed interest in the former Watford star after his performances at the AFCON.
Troost-Ekong said the move to Saudi Arabia gave him the opportunity to secure his family's future.
"I hadn't thought about it before AFCON," he said.
In Greek PAOK, I played European football, winning the league, something I hadn't done before, and we were aiming for the Champions League, which they finally achieved.
In the AFCON, I focused on performing for Nigeria.
The rumours started after that, and my agent spoke with many clubs around the world, but Saudi Arabia showed a lot of interest.
In the months following, I focused on getting fit again. When we met again at the beginning of the season, we discussed everything.
As a result, I made up my mind to do it if the offer was right, but at the same time everyone talks about the opportunity to guarantee your future and think about my family and children."
