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“They Prioritize to Earn So Much Money” – Neymar’s Ex-Teammate Gives Verdict on His $418 Million Al Hilal Move

Published 10/24/2023, 8:00 AM EDT

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Neymar Jr penned a $418 million deal with Saudi side Al-Hilal during the summer transfer window. The player was one of the many big names who ditched European soccer as they moved over to the Middle East. While a lot of critics questioned Neymar’s decision, his former PSG teammate has an interesting take when it comes to the Brazilian’s big money transfer.

During an interview with ESPN, a former PSG star touched down on the Brazilian’s decision to leave Europe. The former Parisian then touched down on his decision to move back to his childhood club. The thirty-four-year-old, following his decision to leave PSG, has returned to Athletic Bilbao.

Former PSG star comments on Neymar Jr’s massive deal with Al-Hilal

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Ander Herrera was present with ESPN for a candid interview. The Spanish soccer star was asked to voice his opinion of Neymar Jr’s big-money move to Al-Hilal. The midfielder was frank with his opinion, noting that while he respects the Brazilian’s decision, some players prioritize earning money in their careers.

“We have to accept that and we have to respect that, but as a friend of him and a football supporter, I would like to see him play in Europe. We have to accept that some of them prioritize earning so much money. They are probably earning in two years what they haven’t earned in fifteen, in Europe.”

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Neymar Jr. made a big money deal to Al-Hilal this season, moving away from PSG. The former Barcelona star penned a massive deal with the Saudi side that sees him take home $418 million plus add-ons over the course of two years. However, unlike Neymar, his ex-teammate has moved to his former side, Athletic Bilbao.

Despite Injury Posing Threat to Future, Neymar Outmuscles Superstar Rivals in a Shocking Stat

Ander Herrera is looking to finish his career at Athletic Bilbao

The thirty-four-year-old Spaniard left PSG during the summer transfer window as he joined his former side, Athletic Bilbao, on a free. Herrera started his soccer career with Real Zaragoza before joining Bilbao. The player then moved to Manchester United, establishing himself as an important cog  in the midfield.

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The player is now back at Bilbao. Herrera has made six appearances for his side his season, crossing the elite 150-game milestone for the Spanish side. During his interview with ESPN, talked about his struggles last season and how he plans to do his best for his former side.

“Last season was the toughest season in my life, but now I feel good. [I’m] working hard to be able to play the whole season. I love what I do, but I suffer when I play football. I have played for big clubs such as Manchester United and PSG, but Athletic for our society is so important. That’s what makes this club so special.”

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Athletic Bilbao is currently placed 6th on the La Liga points table with 17 points to their name. The team has managed just a single win in their last three league outings and will be eager to bag a win over Valencia this Sunday.

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Written by:

Saurabh Saket

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Saurabh Saket is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. While Saket has been an ardent fan for a while, his passion for the sport stems from FIFA 17 which featured Borussia Dortmund superstar Marco Reus on its cover. With dreams of standing as a part of the Yellow Wall at Signal Iduna Park, Saket loves to write about the game from a fan’s perspective giving his take on recent happenings.
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