Argentina and Monza forward Papu Gomez has explained why he rejected offers from Saudi Arabia in the summer.
After winning the World Cup in Qatar and the Europa League in his final year at Sevilla last season, Gomez was out of contract in the summer and was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Despite a reported tug-of-war between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr over his services, the 35-year-old ultimately chose to make his return to Italian football and join top-flight outfit Monza on a one-year deal.
Just months after his move, Gomez has now talked about his motivation to turn down offers from the Middle East and remain in Europe.
“Going to Monza? It was the whole family’s choice,” Gomez told Corriere della Sera. “Returning to a country we know well was the ideal decision at the time.
“Monza is a very ambitious club and I’m here to help the team and to help develop the younger players as well.
“After having terminated the contract with Sevilla and having rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia, I thought I would stay put until June.
“For one thing, the offer I had from Saudi Arabia wasn’t the best and it was certainly not the kind that changes your life.
“Then when I looked at the map for the city where I should have moved, I thought to myself ‘No, thanks.’ I won’t take my three children and go to the desert,” the former Atalanta man added.