Ruben Neves' interview about wanting to play Champions League football goes viral after his move to Saudi Arabia
Ruben Neves is closing in on a move to Al Hilal.
Ruben Neves' interview about wanting to Champions League football has resurfaced online amid his transfer to Al Hilal.
Neves had been attracting interest from Barcelona and appeared to be closing in on a summer switch to the Camp Nou outfit.
But the La Liga giants stalled on making a move for the star midfielder, who has opted for another transfer this summer.
The 26-year-old is set to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema by moving to Saudi Arabia.
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He's on the verge of signing for Al Hilal, who have agreed a £47 million transfer fee with Wolves.
The main parts of his medical have been completed, with an official announcement expected next week.
Neves' move to Saudi Arabia will come as a surprise to many considering his Champions League stance following Wolves' game against Everton last month.
The Portuguese expressed his desire to play in Europe's elite club competition, touching on his main goals in football.
"I want to be here but I never hide that I want to play Champions League football," he said. "It's a hard decision.
"Me and my family love it here, but in football you have to go for your main goals.
"Nothing's happened yet. If it was my last game here I really enjoyed it and I'm very thankful for the last six seasons."
His interview went viral after it emerged online, with fans making their feelings known over Neves' 'mercenary' move.
One Twitter user wrote: "At least he’s got his dream to play at the AFC Champions league."
A second tweeted: "Make it make sense..."
A third added: "Amazing what a big cheque will do."
A fourth said: "Could’ve swore I heard Neves shouting he was looking to play Champions League football not that long ago."
Another commented: "So disappointed in Neves, not because he is leaving us, because of his lack of ambition. Pure mercenary move. He has gone from playing in Champions League at 19 to Saudi league at 26."
What's your take on Neves' transfer to Saudi Arabia? Let us know.
Topics: Ruben Neves, Football, Fan Reactions
Nasir Jabbar