Yannick Carrasco on his transfer to Al-Shabab: 'I don't support what human rights organizations say'

Yannick Carrasco is the latest addition to Saudi football after the 30-year-old Belgian signed for one of the Saudi Pro League outsiders Al Shabab in a €15m transfer from Atletico Madrid.

His first words after joining will spark some controversy.

Quoted by AP News, Carrasco said: "Football is a profession. When an opportunity like this comes, you think twice about it anyway. Look, I know I have the qualities to play at good clubs, but what if I have an injury?"

He reacted to criticism Saudi Arabia constantly gets as a country: "I don't support what the human rights organizations say.

"[Cristiano] Ronaldo has an ordinary life there with his wife [there], right? I've been there myself and seen how people walk around there - it's a beautiful country, honestly."

"You know, judging such things is difficult if you only listen to what other people say. You have to experience that for yourself."

Al Shabab are currently in the relegation zone with zero victories after five games. Carrasco had better come good because apart from Habib Diallo (20 goals in Ligue 1 last season) he's the team's only star.