Playing Against Superstars

Former Watford and Burnley striker Andre Gray recently made a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Riyadh, joining the star-studded Saudi Pro-League. In his debut match, Gray found himself playing against the likes of Neymar, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Despite the hype surrounding these superstars, Gray revealed that this kind of attention is not unique to Saudi Arabia.

Money in the League

While the Saudi Pro-League is known for its lucrative deals, Gray stated that the media has blown the salaries out of proportion. He explained that while players like Cristiano Ronaldo earn substantial amounts, for most players, the money is not as extravagant as it may seem. However, Gray emphasized that the league is striving to create strong and competitive teams.

Finding Success in Saudi Arabia

Gray, who worked his way up to the Premier League through loan moves and playing for non-league teams, sees the Saudi Pro-League as comparable to the Premier League. He believes that the league has top clubs with big players and transfer budgets, as well as other teams striving to compete at a high level.

A Positive Experience for His Family

Although Gray's family has not joined him in Saudi Arabia yet, he mentioned that they have had positive experiences when visiting. He highlighted the safety of the country, expressing that his children can freely play outside in the park after dark, and women can walk alone at night without feeling unsafe.

Defending Jordan Henderson's Decision

Gray defended Jordan Henderson's decision to join Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, despite accusations of sports washing. Gray emphasized that people should not judge without knowing the full situation and acknowledged that anyone would consider a higher-paying opportunity. He also mentioned that there is criticism against footballers coming to Saudi Arabia, but believes it is often based on ignorance and a biased agenda.

Overall, Gray's interview shed light on his experience in the Saudi Pro-League and addressed some of the misconceptions surrounding the league and its players.