Moussa Dembele thought it was more than a little churlish to imply that the money on offer in the Middle East had not entered his consideration when he left Lyon for the Saudi Arabian team Al-Ettifaq over the summer.
According to the former Celtic hero, “all professional decisions are motivated by the desire to increase income.” It’s a component of professional growth. Increase your income and prosper.
There will always be people who wish to instruct me. However, people leave for better pay even in the media. I give more of my income away. In order to improve the quality of life for the locals in my parents’ village in Mali, I have various projects planned.
Moussa Dembele’s performances while leading the line for Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq outfit, however, are not those of a money-grabbing mercenary with dollar signs flashing in his eyes. Dembele, a prolific goalscorer at Celtic before his £20 million move to France, has embraced life in Saudi Arabia, relishing the chance to go head-to-head with Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Aleksandr Mitrovic, Sadio Mane and co for a highly-coveted Golden Boot award.
Former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele in top form
With nine goals in nine games – and seven in eight Pro League apperances – Dembele is certainly establishing himself among the early frontrunners. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (who else?) has more so far.
Maintain his current form over the coming months and Dembele may soon be on track to make this his most prolific season since that outstanding 2016/17 campaign at Celtic, the Frenchman firing Brendan Rodgers’ side to a domestic treble with 32 goals in all competitions.
“I love working with Steven Gerrard,” adds Dembele, who’s Al-Ettifaq team-mates include Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and ex-Celtic defender Jack Hendry.
“I spoke to him on the phone, and he explained to me that I was his number one choice in attack. We talked about tactics and how he wanted to play and use me and it clicked straight away.
Shining in Saudi Arabia
“Our relationships are great,” Dembele continues. He is a football legend and is astute in his choices. He has a winning culture that strongly resembles the ones I was familiar with while playing in England with Fulham, Celtic, and Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone. My life is wonderful. The standard of living and surroundings are excellent.
“The locals are welcoming, cordial, and respectful. Sincerely, I am quite content.
Dembele’s unexpected alliance with a former Rangers manager is already yielding rich returns, and we’re not just talking about the size of his contract. After a COVID-ruined loan period at Atletico and after a mixed experience at Lyon.
