Darwin Nunez speaks out on spell at Al Hilal - 'I would never want anyone to go through an experience like mine'

Darwin Nunez says he would "never want anyone to go through an experience like mine" as he opened up about his nightmare spell at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal for the first time.

The 27-year-old striker joined Al Hilal from Liverpool last summer for around £56.6 million, but following the big-money arrival of Karim Benzema in January, his spell with the club quickly turned sour.

In an unexpected move, Nunez was removed from their squad list for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season, with the reported £2 million-per-week Benzema taking his place.

For those unaware, Saudi clubs are only allowed to register eight foreign players born before 2003 in their 25-man squads. Nunez, meanwhile, missed the cut alongside former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari.

"The decision was difficult, but that's the job of a coach," said head coach Simone Inzaghi at the time. "Nunez and Pablo are good players. I want them in all competitions, but we know the restrictions on registering foreign players."

Nunez, who is said to have earned an eye-watering £400,000-a-week wage at Al Hilal, scored six goals in 14 league games before being ousted from Inzaghi's plans.

The striker is still contracted to the current Saudi Pro League leaders, but last month, he joined newly promoted Al-Diriyah on a season-long loan.

Darwin Nunez has opened up about his difficult spell at Al Hilal. Image credit: Al Hilal

After scoring a brace against Al Ettifaq on Saturday (August 29), Nunez thanked his family for "always being by my side" after a disastrous end to the season at Al Hilal.

"Today I’m here, happy to be competing again and to be scoring once more. I would have been happy with one goal, but I’m overjoyed with the two," he said.

"I want to congratulate the team for their effort, especially given the heat, which makes playing a bit tough. Thanks to my family, my wife and children, who were always by my side and didn't let me lose heart during that time."

"It was hard, but I always said that the sun comes out after the storm; today I’m here competing and happy, and that’s what matters to me right now," added Nunez.

Darwin Nunez opens up on going through "difficult time" in his life

Nunez has since expanded on his time at Al Hilal in his most candid interview to date.

"The [last] six months I spent at Al-Hilal were very difficult for me and my family, because I could no longer play matches," he said.

"Honestly, I would never want anyone to go through an experience like mine, because ultimately, all of us footballers want to compete, play, and enjoy doing what we do. I’ve moved past that difficult period now and feel good here.

"I got through that difficult time thanks to my family, who were always there supporting me every step of the way. Every day at work, I tried to go in happy and give my best, even though I couldn't compete, and just try to help the team."