Jhon Duran fires money message as he speaks out on Aston Villa transfer
Jhon Duran has dismissed the notion that his decision to leave Aston Villa for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr was purely down to money. Striker Duran ended a two-year spell at Villa Park this week when he completed a move to Al-Nassr, where he has signed a five-year deal.
Villa's president of football operations Monchi recently confirmed that Duran would be receiving around five times the salary he was earning at Villa - a sum which had increased somewhat following the contract he signed in October of last year - and that Villa would bank north of 75m euros from the sale.
Colombian international Duran conducted his first interview after making the switch to Saudi, where he'll play alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte. He sent a pointed message in doing so, to the sceptics who consider his move to be solely for financial gain.
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"I'm really happy about the move," he told Al Nassr TV. "People in general and the media speculate about a lot of things. I think of only my family, my agent and me. I know why we make the decisions that we make. My family are especially important in these decisions. I don't think it's a backwards step for me. I'm moving to a competitive league and there are many stars here.
"There are many people who have a different idea about the league, but in general these people are thinking things that aren't right. As for people who are saying this is a backwards step, I'll prove myself on the pitch. On the pitch is where I'll do my talking. Often a lot is said off the pitch but it's another matter on it.
"As for the people saying I'm motivated by money, I'd like to say to them now that they know nothing about my life. Money doesn't motivate me. I'm just a youngster and I still hang out with my people. I made this decision because I think it's the best one and I'll make sure it is."
Duran is clearly excited to be playing alongside Ronaldo, who he considers to be still the best footballer on the planet. Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr a little over two years ago and has scored 79 goals in 88 appearances. Duran is also pleased to be testing himself in a new league and in an entirely new culture.
"I'm really happy to join this great team, who are really important in this league," he added. "I'm really excited and I can't wait to play with my teammates. I'm happy to collaborate, learn and improve every day as a person and as a footballer. By working with this great coach, I hope I can keep on learning as I have done in my career.
"I'm really happy to play with and learn from the best player in the world. He is the best sportsperson in the world, I think he's the best footballer and I'm really happy that I can learn from him and have this chance in my career to work with such a huge star. I hope I can see some action soon and learn everything he can teach me.
"This league is heading in an important direction in the world. There are a lot of players from Europe who were at big teams in Europe but who are now here. There are huge stars who I think will really perform. I'm happy to be discovering a new culture, new norms and I'm excited to be moving to a new city and new country with different people."
