Drenthe: I considered retiring before Alania Vladikavkaz move

Feb 12, 2013 9:30:00 PM

The former Real Madrid and Everton man has revealed that he thought his footballing career might be over before he sealed a switch to the Russian club

Royston Drenthe says he considered retiring before signing for Alania Vladikavkaz on a free transfer in February.

The former Feyenoord wide man was without a club for eight months after leaving Real Madrid when his contract ended in June 2012, following a loan spell with Everton.

"I was told that there were people from Russia who wanted to meet me and that they would not leave without having spoken to me personally," the 25-year-old told Sport-Express.

"They had a very friendly and warm conversation with me and outlined some interesting ideas. Importantly, they were right on time. If the Alania opportunity had not come, I would certainly be finished.

"Of course, money plays a role. But I want to show that I can still play at a high level. Negotiations lasted three or four days, but I can say that I had already decided to come to Russia on the first day."

Drenthe has one international cap for the Netherlands having made his Oranje debut back in November 2010.

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