Al Nassr manager, Jorge Jesus, has said that Portuguese midfielder Joao Felix will have no distractions in Saudi Arabia, which will help him focus completely on football.
Felix recently joined Al Nassr from Atlético Madrid in a deal worth €50 million — €30 million upfront and €20 million in add-ons. He was previously on loan at Chelsea and was linked with a return to Benfica before Al Nassr came calling.
Speaking about the move, Jesus said Saudi Arabia’s conservative lifestyle will benefit the 24-year-old star.
“Saudi Arabia is a country where there’s no alcohol, nor does he drink alcohol. There’s no nightlife, not that he goes out at night either. There are no other distractions,” Jesus told Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
The coach believes that the absence of off-field temptations will allow Felix to fully concentrate on his football.
“He made the right choice because there’s no other option; you just have to play,” he said.
Felix joins a growing list of European stars in the Saudi Pro League and will now team up with his Portugal national team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, at Al Nassr.