Bruno Cesar admits joining Al Ahli for financial gain

Jan 23, 2013 4:27:00 PM

The Selecao attacker has revealed he has been given a "very good contract" in Saudi Arabia and says the deal will help him and his family enjoy monetary stability

Brazil international Bruno Cesar has admitted his move to Al-Ahli was largely motivated by financial gain, but has refuted suggestions he is a "mercenary".

The attacking midfielder left Benfica for the Saudi Arabian side for an undisclosed fee, on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The 24-year-old, who arrived in Portugal in 2011 from Corinthians, defended his decision to leave Portugal, but accepted that he has limited his options in the short-term by trading European football for the lucrative rewards of plying his trade in Asia.

"I am no mercenary," he told Renascenca on Wednesday. "It is a very good contract. It will provide me and my family with great financial stability.

"There are two sides to the coin. It will be a much more tranquil life financially, but sports-wise it will distance me from my objectives which are the national team, playing in Europe and the Champions League, and being among the best clubs in the world."

Cesar made his debut for the Selecao in 2011 against Gabon and has made one additional appearance for the national side since then.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!