BRUSSELS — Belgium midfielder Yannick Carrasco made gentle of the criticism of Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights file on Thursday following his switch to Al Shabab from Atletico Madrid.

Carrasco, who's coaching this week with the Belgian nationwide crew forward of a few European Championship qualifiers, requested the workers to prepare a information convention so he may clarify the explanations behind his transfer.

Carrasco follows many stars from Europe’s prime leagues who've headed to the profitable Saudi league in latest months, together with Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema.

Asked concerning the nation’s human rights file, Carrasco stated he disagrees with the criticism “because people can sometimes think badly about things.”

“Cristiano is there with his wife and has an ordinary life there,” Carrasco stated. “Neymar, Benzema, I went there myself. I see how women live there, and how people go about their lives. Honestly, it is a beautiful country. It is hard to judge if you only listen to what people say about it. You have to experience it yourself.”

Carrasco, who's 30, stated he had just one 12 months left on his contract together with his Spanish crew and the one concrete provide he obtained got here from Al Shabab amid hypothesis he may additionally be a part of Barcelona.

“I opted for security, looking at what I had and what I could get,” he stated. “I’m more near the end of my career than anything else.”

Al Shabab, the place he must be taking part in alongside Ever Banega, stated Carrasco has signed a contract till 2026. The membership didn't reveal monetary particulars of the deal.

Carrasco was additionally requested whether or not he made the selection for cash by leaving Europe.

“It’s a profession,” he stated. “When you have an opportunity, you think twice.”

Carrasco, nonetheless, added he was completely happy at Atletico and in Europe, however that he determined to depart for his peace of thoughts.

“I spoke with Axel Witsel about his situation when he was in Dortmund in his final year of contract,” Carrasco stated. “And he told me he was thinking a lot, and was worried to get injured. As a consequence you don’t play relaxed, or at 100%. It was the kind of feeling I had during the pre-season matches. Once the offer was on the table, security came first.”

Carrasco joined Atletico in 2015 from Monaco, successful the Spanish league title and the Europa League. He performed 266 matches with the Spanish membership, scoring 47 objectives and delivering 35 assists. His stint with Atletico was interrupted throughout two seasons when he joined Chinese membership Dalian Yifang earlier than returning to Spain in 2020.

Carrasco, who has made 66 worldwide appearances, grew to become the second Belgium worldwide to affix the Saudi league after Jason Denayer signed with Al Fateh.

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