Tijjani Reijnders has spoken with unusual frankness about his decision to leave Manchester City for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, stating plainly that financial freedom — for himself and for generations of his family to come — was a driving force behind the move.

The Dutch midfielder spent just one season at the Etihad Stadium before completing a £52 million switch, and he offered no apology for prioritising his long-term financial security over remaining in European football.

"My grandchildren will be secure"

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Reijnders was direct about the contract's appeal. "Once my playing career is over, I don't want to have to work anymore," he said. "Of course, I probably wouldn't have needed to work anymore after my contract at Manchester City either, but this move allows me to secure the future of the next generations of my family."

"I'm not going to lie about that. By signing this contract, I can make sure even my grandchildren are financially secure, so why wouldn't I do it?" he added.

Ambition at Al-Qadsiah

Reijnders was careful to stress that money was not the sole factor. He pointed to Al-Qadsiah's broader vision as something that genuinely excited him. "The club wants to be the biggest in Asia," he explained. "What they did already in the past and what we can do now in the future — it triggered me a lot. I want to help the club reach the highest level."

The 26-year-old also spoke about his competitive ambitions in Saudi Arabia. "I came here to try and win trophies with my teammates. We are playing for four trophies, if I'm right, and we want to win as many as possible. Personally, I hope I can help the team as much as possible with goals and assists."

European suitors rebuffed

Reijnders turned down interest from other European clubs to pursue the Saudi project. Despite the move, he has continued to feature regularly for Al-Qadsiah and has kept his place in the Netherlands squad — a sign that his international ambitions remain very much alive alongside his new financial chapter.