‘Many players are dissatisfied’ – Ex-Man City ace blasts Riyadh traffic in brutally honest interview about life in Saudi
AYMERIC LAPORTE has expressed his frustration at life in Saudi Arabia.
The defender, 29, joined Al-Nassr from Manchester City in a £23.5million switch last summer.
This week, Jordan Henderson left Saudi Arabia for Ajax after just six months having failed to settle into his new surroundings.
And Laporte has now become the latest star to admit that life in the Kingdom has not yet been what he hoped.
Speaking to Spanish paper , the Spain international said: "It’s a big change compared to Europe, but in the end it’s all adaptation.
"They haven’t made it easy for us. In fact, there are many players who are dissatisfied, but hey; We are working on it every day, negotiating so to speak, and to see if it improves a little because this is something new for them too, having European players who already have a long career.
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"Maybe they are not used to this and have to adapt to a little more seriousness.”
Emphasising his point, Laporte added: "In every sense, but also on a day-to-day basis.
"Life for them… they take everything lightly. The ultimatum you can give them doesn’t matter to them.
"I mean, they’re really going about their business. You negotiate something and then they don’t accept it after you have signed it. They fight you."
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The five-time Premier League winner has so far made 14 appearances in the Saudi Pro League.
His side sit second in the table, trailing Al-Hilal by seven points.
Laporte admits that many stars moved to Saudi Arabia for non-footballing reasons, while also expressing his frustration at Riyadh's roads.
He continued: "To be honest, many of us have also come here not only for football.
"Many of us are happy with that, but I am also looking for something beyond that is not the economic part and such.
"In terms of quality of life, I expected something different because in the end here you spend three hours a day in the car.
"Riyadh is a waste of traffic, of time wasted in the car."
Upon sealing his exit earlier this week, Henderson said: "I’m sad to say that I will be leaving Al Ettifaq with immediate effect.
"It wasn’t an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family.
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"I want to take this opportunity to thank the club & the fans for all the support during my time.
"I really felt the love from Day One. I’ll keep watching & hoping for your success. Good luck for the future."
