Al Ahli’s Gabri Veiga Hits Back at Toni Kroos’ for Criticizing His Decision to Move to Saudi Arabia

• Toni Kroos was not happy when Gabri Veiga joined Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia
• The Real Madrid midfielder let his feelings known when the highly-rated Spanish midfielder decided to move to the Saudi Pro League
• The young midfielder has now responded to Kroos, explaining why he left La Liga to join the SPL

Gabri Veiga has fired back at Real Madrid veteran Toni Kroos for criticising his decision to move to the Saudi Pro League. Veiga had a breakout 2022/23 season in La Liga with Celta Vigo but decided to join Al-Ahli.

The Saudi Pro League has signed some of the biggest names in football this year. Veterans Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema are some of the names that have moved to Saudi Arabia.

SPL clubs are only signing experienced players but also young, talented ones. 21-year-old Veiga was one of the young players who decided to move to the Middle Eastern country.

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Last season, he scored 11 goals and provided four assists. Celta Vigo finished 13th in La Liga. Top European clubs like Napoli reportedly wanted to sign him, but Al-Ahli won the race for his signature.

They reportedly signed him for 36 million euros. His side are currently 5th in the 2023/24 SPL standings with 19 points, four behind leaders Al-Hilal.

So far, he has made five appearances in the Saudi Pro League and plays alongside Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Allan Saint-Maximin, per Transfermarkt.

Veiga hits back at Kroos

The Spain Under-21 international recently responded to Kross' comments but took no offence.

"I understand that everyone has their opinion, but there were other decisions that tipped the balance. Among all the options, I think it was the one that allowed me to continue growing as a footballer and mature in a league that is growing a lot," via 90min.

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He says the SPL could become much bigger.

"You never know how much a league like this can grow."

Saudi Arabia is now a top destination for footballers. Most players are reportedly attracted to the massive wages the top clubs are paying.

Kroos blasts Veiga

Sports Brief earlier reported on Kroos terming Veiga's move to Al-Ahli as "embarrassing".

Veiga had a breakout 2022/23 season, which attracted some top clubs in Europe, like Napoli and some in England. However, Al-Ahli won the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old is set to become the latest star from a European club to join Al-Ahli. This summer alone, they have signed Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Roger Ibanez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Franck Kessie, and Merih Derimal.