Carrasco arranges his own press conference to explain his move to Saudi Arabia

Carrasco swapped Atlético Madrid for Al-Shabab, the club that dismissed Marcel Keizer earlier this week, and is reportedly set to earn thirteen million euros per year. This move has stirred up quite a debate in Belgium. Therefore, Carrasco organized his own press conference for Thursday.

'I noticed that everyone had questions about my transfer,' he began with a smile. 'But after today, we won't talk about it anymore.'

Carrasco, who previously played in China during his career, mentioned that he wanted to choose certainty. His contract with Atlético was set to expire next year. 'I received only one concrete offer this summer, and it was from Al-Shabab,' the forward said to outlets like Het Nieuwsblad. 'I had contacts with other clubs, but nothing concrete. I wanted security. That's why I chose this path. The Saudi league is getting stronger, and many European stars are playing there. I don't see it as a step backward immediately.'

Carrasco was willing to admit that the financial aspect played a significant role in his decision. 'Being a footballer is a profession. If you get better terms somewhere else, you might change employers,' the forward stated. 'You will definitely consider it. I know I still have the qualities to play for a big club. But I also talked to Axel Witsel. At the age of 33, he suffered a serious injury. That makes you think, and I have to think about that too. When it's all laid out clearly, you choose security.'

But then there's the discussion about human rights. Carrasco said, 'Cristiano Ronaldo is there with his wife, right? Neymar with his mother? I went there myself, and in my opinion, there's nothing wrong with it. Women walk freely in the streets. It's a beautiful country. I don't listen to what people say. I want to experience it for myself, and then I will judge. I didn't see anything unusual there.'