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Barca President Takes Shots At Stars Leaving For Saudi Arabia

Barca President Takes Shots At Stars Leaving For Saudi Arabia

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has fired a dig at the high-profile footballers who have made the move to the Saudi Pro League.

The past few weeks have seen a number of Europe's big names move to Saudi Arabia, including Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and most recently Senegal star Sadio Mane.

Read: Man City Star 'Prepared' To Force Exit To Barca

The Barcelona president believes that footballers moving to the Saudi Pro League are not there for sporting reasons.

"When a player, and with all respect, prefers to go to Saudi Arabia, basically there are no sporting reasons," Laporta told CNN

"You know, there are other reasons that are the priority. And the football must be the priority – the sporting reasons must be the priority."

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Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie is reportedly set to be the next player to leave for the Saudi Pro League as he is closing in on a switch to Al Ahli.

Laporte also opened up on losing out on the services of Marcelo Brozovic, who joined Al Nassr last month.

"I respect the decisions of the Saudi government that, you know, incorporate talented players," he added.

"Football is a team sport. Of course, the talented players help us to promote this sport and to make the fans happy because the talent is the talent, but … the team is the priority."

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