Al-Hilal striker Aleksandar Mitrovic advised Dusan Vlahovic of the benefits of a move to Saudi Arabia and admitted he ‘cheers for Roma’ in Serie A.
The 29-year-old Serbian forward left for the Saudi Pro League last month, being one of many players to leave Europe for the riches in Saudi Arabia.
Eight Serie A players decided to make the switch as well, including former Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and ex-Inter man Marcelo Brozovic.
Speaking on page 23 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Mitrovic was first asked if he missed the Premier League following his move to Saudi Arabia.
“When I received the offer from Al-Hilal, I talked about it with my family. Giving up was impossible. I have no nostalgia for England, I played many years there.
“I’m happy to have finally arrived at a top club, Al-Hilal is a bit like Real Madrid in Europe.”
He commented on the level of the Saudi Pro League.
“Difficult to make comparisons. It is not yet at the level of the Premier League, but at this rate it will be in the future. Of Arabia, I was positively surprised by the football and the people’s interest in it.”
The 29-year-old revealed that he suggested a move to Saudi Arabia to compatriot Vlahovic.
“Yes, I’d also recommend it to Dusan, but then it depends on what he wants. In the national team we talked about Saudi Arabia, he asked me how I am getting on.
“However, if I have to be honest, I see he’s happy and focused on Juve. He is happy to be part of one of the strongest clubs in Europe.”
He discussed his relationship with Vlahovic in the Serbia national team.
“We have a very good relationship. Dusan I see well, after all he started the season by scoring two goals in three games. He is young, but top.”
Mitrovic was asked if the Juventus striker was the best forward in Serie A.
“Potentially yes. He has everything to score 25 goals, he has already done it in the past. I hope he already scores against Lazio.
“But Dusan, like all strikers, needs to play all the time and be supported by the team with assists, crosses… Vlahovic is very strong, but to finish he needs the support of Chiesa, Kostic, Locatelli…”
He touched on if Lazio or Juventus missed Milinkovic-Savic more, considering the latter’s interest in the midfield.
“Sergej is very strong. He will be missed by Lazio, of which he was a legend, and also by Juve because a player like him makes the difference in all the top clubs, at the Bianconeri or at Inter or Milan.
“Good thing we have him at Al Hilal. He’s doing well, Sergej, but he always speaks fondly of Italy.”
Finally, Mitrovic was asked if he could move to Serie A in the future.
“In life and in football you never know. In the past I was close to Serie A, but now I am very happy at Al-Hilal and I want to do great things here and win titles.
“But I still follow the Italian league and I cheer for Roma.”