Ruben Neves admits he went to Saudi Arabia for the money, fans are loving his honesty

Ruben Neves has been praised for his honesty after admitting he moved to the Saudi Pro League for the money.

Saudi Arabia has become an attractive destination for many players, with a whole host of high profile stars making the lucrative switch to the Middle Eastern country over the summer.

Neves was one of those to make the move, joining Al Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June on a three-year deal for £47million.

Just months into his new contract, reports have linked him with a return to the Premier League, with Newcastle United and Arsenal thought to be interested in the midfielder.

However, the 26-year-old recently insisted he would stay with Al Hilal and rubbished rumours of a return to the English top-flight.

Neves has since lifted the lid on his reasons for joining the Saudi Pro League, and boldly admitted that money played a major part in his decision.

"Of course, one of the things is the money, of course, you cannot hide that," he told BBC Sport.

"But when we see the project, and I know that a lot of people think we say this just to say it, but it's not true.

"When they present us the project, it's a very, very big project. I think people have no idea how the country is improving, how the football is improving and how the football can be in a few years.

"In one year, we did this. So I believe in two or three more years, it will be an amazing league.

When asked whether he would go on loan to Newcastle due to the Tyneside club's connections with the Saudi Pro League, Neves shut down the idea.

"I don't go. I think that's rumours because of the owner of the clubs of course and because I played in England as well.

"There was a Newcastle interest before I came here, but I'm really happy here. My family are really happy, the kids as well."