Spanish striker Rodrigo has revealed he decided to swap Leeds United for Al-Rayyan SC in the summer as he was starting to feel his age playing at the top.
The 32-year-old has been speaking to Marca about his career and his decision to move to Qatar in the summer.
The Spaniard brought an end to a three year stay at Leeds in the summer following their relegation to the Championship, joining Al-Rayyan SC in a €3.5m deal.
He joined Leeds in a €30m deal in August 2020 and proved to be a relatively good purchase, with 28 goals and five assists in 97 games for the club.
He was arguably one of their better players despite relegation last season, with 15 goals and two assists across all competitions, 13 of which came in the Premier League.
Those numbers meant he had options to stay in England in the summer when it became apparent he would be leaving Elland Road, but he instead preferred to move to the Qatari Stars League.
He’s enjoyed himself there so far with five goals and four assists in 10 games to date, and when questioned why he chose that destination, admits he was simply tired after so many years at the top.
“They are personal decisions that must be respected,” he said.
“The option arose and I wanted to live this experience. And… Qatar has surprised me for the better. I am liking the level of the League and the country’s project is medium to long term.
“On a collective level, last year was not good in Leeds, although individually I did well. Elite football is very exhausting, physically and mentally. I’m going to be 33 years old and time is passing. This is over… and it was a family decision.
“There were options, also to stay in England, but nothing concrete. They asked a lot, but without real contacts.”
