Ivan Toney appears to hit back at controversy over Saudi Pro League transfer in cryptic social media post
Ivan Toney appears to have hit back at criticism of his move to Saudi Arabia with a cryptic social media post.
On transfer deadline day Ivan Toney completed what felt like an inevitable move away from Brentford.
The England striker had long been hinting that he wanted to leave the Premier League side, with his intentions all-but confirmed by his refusal to sign a new contract.
Brentford opted to sell this summer rather than lose Toney for free next year, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all touted as potential destinations.
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However, the 28-year-old joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli instead after Brentford accepted an offer of £40 million.
As reported by The Mirror, Toney is set to net £403,000 a week including bonuses, which would be the equivalent of earning £800,000 before tax in the UK.
At Brentford, Toney reportedly was paid £36,000 a week, meaning that his new contract will see him earn more than 13 times his wage at the London club.
Toney's decision has inevitably drawn criticism, with fans accusing him of prioritising money over career prospects.
Toney made his major international tournament debut at Euro 2024, but it seems unlikely he will be selected again following his move.
Some fans felt that Toney forced his way out of Brentford, and the striker has now hit back at his critics with what appears to be a cryptic social media post.
On Tuesday (September 3) Toney shared to his Instagram story a video of a press conference speech given by NFL legend and current Colorado Buffaloes Football head coach, Deion Sanders.
In the video, Sanders says: "Look at me. What about me would make you think that I care about your opinion of me. Your opinion of me is not the opinion I have of myself.
"You ain't make me, so you can't break me. You didn't build me so you can't kill me.
"God established me. I'm not even playing the game, and you've got an opinion of me.
"I love it, but I don't...care. And I wish the world thought like that. Do not give a darn what opinions people have of you. You be you."
Topics: Ivan Toney, Brentford, Saudi Arabia, Football
Alex Brotherton