Vormer: 'I could have gone to Saudi Arabia, but I didn't do it'

Vormer: 'I could have gone to Saudi Arabia, but I didn't do it'

Vormer: 'I could have gone to Saudi Arabia, but I didn't do it'

Vormer had the opportunity to cash in in Saudi Arabia, like many others, but he declined. He is no longer interested in a foreign adventure. 

"Three years ago, I could have gone to Saudi Arabia. I didn't do it, although I must honestly add that I had received a new contract at Club Brugge," Vormer tells Humo.

"Sometimes it's all a bit… complicated. I'm now 35 years old, it's been good. When you go to Saudi Arabia, you go purely for the money. Sometimes you have to be happy with what you have. I also earn well now. (...) Of course, you go for the money. Anyone who says otherwise is talking nonsense. I'm going to Dubai for the sport. Yeah, right! To earn money, yes. Just be honest."

Vormer chose Zulte Waregem after leaving Club Brugge through the back door after 8.5 years. His playing time there was diminishing. "But I did think about stopping, you know. I wasn't playing at Club, and I found that quite difficult. Just sit quietly, I thought: finish the contract and stop, done. Until Jelle (teammate Vossen, ed.) warmed me up for Zulte Waregem: nice club, give it a try. I came here in January. Good plan, attractive financial picture. I immediately got that nice feeling again. The joy of football was back, despite the relegation."

Although Vormer cherishes his time at Club Brugge, he seems to have little feeling for the club now. Under coach Philippe Clement, Vormer lost his starting position. "The day before our home game against PSG, we were on the training field and I got a bib, the starters didn't. That was a slap in my face because I knew: I wouldn't play. I was so angry: what is this, man?! After training, I immediately sent a message to Roos (his wife, ed.): what should I do? Don't go to him, she replied. Well, I did exactly that. I ran up to his office and let it all out. He tried to explain, but it was no use: it didn't get through to me anymore. I was beside myself. Since then, I was allowed to play less and less. The choices of a coach, right?"

"It took some time," said Vormer about his departure. "It could have been nicer, but that's just how it works. Football is a harsh world. At home, I often talk about it with Roos. Then she says: look at what the club has given you, where we live. Don't dwell on it too long, that's the best. Of course, I did for a while. But now I look back on it positively."

  • Top Countries
  • Around the web
De Ligt predicts a tactically improved Manchester United

De Ligt predicts a tactically improved Manchester United

Matthijs de Ligt has started preparations for the new season in high spirits. He finished last season with Manchester United in a disappointing fifteenth place in the Premier League, but believes he can make significant progress this year both physically and tactically.

United focuses its sights on two candidates in the hunt for a new striker

United focuses its sights on two candidates in the hunt for a new striker

Manchester United is not focusing solely on Benjamin Sesko in their search for a new centre-forward. According to various English media outlets, Ollie Watkins who was the match-winner against the Netherlands at last year’s Euros is also seriously being considered.

Guardiola has a career break in his plans:  It s more than decided

Guardiola has a career break in his plans: 'It's more than decided'

Pep Guardiola confirms he will take a break from football after leaving Manchester City in 2027. In an honest interview, he reflects on last season’s struggles, the mental toll of management, and why stepping away is now a certainty.

Cerny thrives under Simonis at Wolfsburg:  He can make the difference

Cerny thrives under Simonis at Wolfsburg: 'He can make the difference'

Vaclav Cerny is flourishing at VfL Wolfsburg under Paul Simonis. After being loaned to Rangers FC last season, the winger seemed headed for the exit this summer in the German Autostadt, but following an excellent pre-season, he is now even in contention for a new contract.

Arsenal are building a top team, Simons set to become a sensation at Chelsea

Arsenal are building a top team, Simons set to become a sensation at Chelsea

It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for a new episode of Rondje Transfers. Foreign football experts Süleyman Öztürk and Bas van den Hoven join host Kalum van Oudheusden to discuss the latest developments in the international transfer market.

Back on the market one year after costing 30 million euros

Back on the market one year after costing 30 million euros

Roma are ready to sell Artem Dovbyk just one year after signing him from Girona for €30 million. Despite 17 goals, his performances have fallen short of expectations. Several clubs across Europe are monitoring the Ukrainian striker’s situation.

Slot loses Díaz to Bayern for 80 million euros

Slot loses Díaz to Bayern for 80 million euros

Luis Díaz has committed his future to Bayern Munich. The Colombian joins from Liverpool and signs a four-year contract in southern Germany. Both clubs announced the deal on Wednesday.

Agreement reached: Luis Díaz is joining FC Bayern

Agreement reached: Luis Díaz is joining FC Bayern

It had been looming over the past two weeks, and now the transfer is nearing completion: Luis Díaz will move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich and sign a contract until 2029 next week.

Newcastle and United locked in battle for new striker

Newcastle and United locked in battle for new striker

Manchester United and Newcastle United are locked in a battle for the services of Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig striker previously seemed on his way to St. James' Park, but The Red Devils may yet throw a wrench in the works.

I want to be one of the best at Real Sociedad and in LaLiga

I want to be one of the best at Real Sociedad and in LaLiga

After his brace against Yokohama, the Icelandic striker is showing great ambition ahead of his second season with the Txuriurdin, after being unable to shine in his first.

Odd:1.38