Mustafi wants to keep playing
2014 world champion to Saudi Arabia ‘because of the money’?
08/17/2023 2:57 p.m
Cristiano Ronaldo is there, as are Neymar and Karim Benzema. Stars are moving to Saudi Arabia in droves. Even 2014 world champion Shkodran Mustafi does not rule out a change. But that has nothing to do with the sporting value.
The currently clubless German ex-world champion Shkodran Mustafi would also play in the Saudi Arabian football league if there was a lucrative offer. “I wouldn’t go to Saudi Arabia for an apple and an egg,” said the 31-year-old defender in an interview with the “transfermarkt.de” portal. If he were to take his family to Saudi Arabia, it would have to be worth it. “If I go to Saudi Arabia, it won’t be to win titles or start a project, but for the money – let’s not kid ourselves,” said Mustafi.
The 2014 world champion played for FC Valencia and FC Liverpool, among others, as well as for six months at FC Schalke 04 in the 2021 Bundesliga. Most recently, he earned his money with the Spanish second division club UD Levante and has been there since his contract expired at the end of the previous year Season without a club. After a thigh operation last November, he is currently keeping fit in Munich. “I do what I can do: keep fit and be ready.”
Soccer stars like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema moving to Saudi Arabia would make the league interesting from a sporting point of view. Nevertheless, the financial aspect stands in the foreground for Mustafi when he signs a contract with a club there. “Even if the league is gaining increasing sporting interest due to the numerous top-class players who are currently moving there, money naturally plays a major role in such a step,” said Mustafi.
According to his own statements, the 31-year-old has not thought of ending his career despite only making 15 appearances in two years at Levante. “I just feel like playing for a few more years. I’m only 31 and of course I’ll try,” said Mustafi. The motivation is that the last time has been catastrophic. “Even if I were 34 or 35 now, I don’t want to say goodbye to football like that. Absolutely not.”