“100% Proud of My Choice” – Faced ‘Embarrassing’ Rant for Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s Path, 21YO Star Breaks Silence on Saudi Move

The exodus of soccer stars to Saudi Arabia has left many awestruck. There’s also been much criticism on the talented players choosing the Arab clubs with the massive contracts and money on offer, in what has been a domino effect since Cristiano Ronaldo‘s move to Al Nassr in January 2023 in a $500 million deal. While a few of them defended their choice saying it was not all about the money, a Spanish wonderkid who was condemned for his Saudi move spoke about why he is ‘100% proud’ of his choice.

It has been a turbulent few months for the 21-year-old who has now signed for Al Ahli. The ex-Celta Vigo player was hot property for a host of European clubs with teams including Barcelona, Napoli, and others vying for his signature. However, he eventually followed CR7’s path to Saudi Arabia and signed for Al Ahli in a $44 million move.

Ex-Celta Vigo youngster responds after Saudi Arabia move following Cristiano Ronaldo

The player in question is former Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga. Veiga had a stunning breakout season for Celta in 2022/23 scoring 11 goals and making 4 assists in 36 games for the Spanish minnows in La Liga.

But his Saudi move was something that raised many eyebrows. Following the announcement of his transfer, Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos hit out at the youngster’s move calling it ’embarrassing’.  According to a tweet on X by renowned soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gabri Veiga has now spoken about his decision stating that he is proud of his choice to move to Saudi Arabia.

As the tweet reveals, Veiga said, “I did not join Saudi just for money. It was the best option to develop as a player, grow under a young coach, team full of stars and league improving as Saudi PL”. “I’m 100% proud of my choice.“

Gabri Veiga’s breakthrough season for Celta Vigo was truly a remarkable one; a season where he took La Liga by storm. Here are detailed stats of the Spanish wonderkid’s 2022/23 season.

Gabri Veiga had a blast last season with remarkable stats

Veiga made his debut for Celta in 2020/21 but only became a regular starter in 2022/23. He was deployed in midfield as an 8 and in attacking midfield as a 10, by Celta Vigo boss Rafael Benitez.

Also read: After Cristiano Ronaldo’s Daring Claim, European Leagues Torn Apart With Saudi Pro League Comparisons by Ex-Real Madrid GM

The Spanish youngster managed to score 11 goals against his accumulated xG of 6.08, overperforming his xG by 4.92. Veiga also outperformed in assists with his xA of 3.17 recording 4 assists in La Liga for Celta last season while averaging 1.08 key passes per 90 minutes. When it comes to shots, Veiga averaged 2.39 shots per 90 minutes, most notably scoring 4 goals from outside the box and 7 from inside the box from his 11-goal tally for the season.

While Veiga is still only 21, it remains to be seen as to where his career leads him following his move to Saudi Arabia at this tender age. Despite signing for Al Ahli, Veiga could perhaps move back to a European club sometime in the future, so maybe it’s too early to criticize him for his move to the Arab country and to rule out the youngster from becoming a success in Europe.

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