Former Lazio striker Miroslav Klose understands that players at the end of their careers, such as Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, leave Europe for Saudi Arabia, but believes it was too early for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The ex-Germany international spoke to Il Corriere dello Sport about SMS’s transfer to Al-Hilal.
“I’ve watched 20 minutes of a Saudi Pro League game, so I don’t really know what level they are,” admitted Klose.
“However, many players are going there. I believe that, if you are at the end of a career, like Benzema or Cristiano Ronaldo, it makes sense to go there. It is different for Milinkovic. To me, it was not the right time for this move. I think England or Spain would have suited him more, but it’s his decision, and we must accept it.”
Klose also had the chance to leave Europe at the end of his playing career but turned down an offer from China because his family wanted to return to Germany after spending several years in the capital.
“I could have gone to China, but I said no because I was already 38,” he revealed.
“I had already decided I’d end my career and Lazio and my family wanted to return to Germany.”
Al-Hilal confirmed Milinkovic-Savic’s purchase on Wednesday.
Lazio have earned €40m from his sale, while the Serbia international will get €20m per season.
Klose played for Lazio from 2011 until 2016 scoring 63 goals in 170 appearances with the Biancocelesti.
He played with Milinkovic-Savic at the Stadio Olimpico in 2015-16 during the Serbian’s first season at the club. SMS left Lazio after eight years. He scored 69 goals in 341 with the Biancocelesti.