It’s really weird, and I’m not imprinting my weird thoughts on you… but this assumption that all Muslim players want to play in Saudi feels racially tinged. Like, it’s obviously not racist. But the blanket assumption that adding religion to the mix makes it all make more sense.
When I say ‘sell his soul’, the same thing applies to Mo Salah as Jordan Henderson. Just because he has the same religion as the country, shouldn’t mean we just nod through him moving to a country with an atrocious human rights record, to play an awful standard of football, in front of awful crowds.
The guy is a world class footballer, that’s lived in one of the most socialist areas of the UK, under a publicly socialist manager, for years.
To me, his religion is wholly irrelevant. It suggests he doesn’t have personal agency outside of his religion. Yes, culturally it makes the move easier. A practicing Muslim that prays, doesn’t drink or eat certain foods will settle in Saudi easier than someone like Rooney would have done. But it doesnt mean he doesn’t have morals and a sense of right and wrong.
Truly not going after you. To be 100% clear. It’s just weird that so many trot that narrative out.