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."

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

'Mister Bundesliga' Gouweleeuw misses a match again after two years

Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will have to watch from the sidelines at FC Augsburg for the time being. A knee injury forces the Dutch captain of the German club to take a break for now.

The question for Werner: Who will replace Schlager and Nusa?

On Saturday, RB Leipzig will host 1. FC Köln and aim for a third consecutive victory. However, the Saxons will have to replace two key players. Timo Werner is likely to be in the squad.

Haaland can’t sleep because of former club

Erling Haaland is deeply unhappy with the current situation at Bryne FK, the first club of the Norwegian striker. On social media, Haaland criticized the present state of his former team, where he spent his entire youth development.

Tottenham Hotspur disgusted by online racism after Tel miss: ‘Anonymous cowards’

Tottenham Hotspur have spoken out, a day after the UEFA Super Cup, against the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media. The forward, like Micky van de Ven, missed a penalty in the shootout.

Darwin moves to Saudi Arabia for half of what he cost

Darwin Núñez is set to join Al Hilal for €53 million, just three years after Liverpool paid up to €100 million for the striker. The transfer marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, while Benfica receives €530,000 through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Bozeník finds shelter in the Championship after Boavista's downfall

Róbert Bozeník continues his career in the Championship. The former Feyenoord striker has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City, which is taking the 25-year-old Slovak over from Boavista.

Vázquez says goodbye to Real Madrid: 'A lifelong dream fulfilled'

The Lucas Vázquez era at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Thursday, the player bid an emotional farewell to the club he served for sixteen years, winning 23 trophies along the way.

Arsenal announce Danish midfielder as new signing

Arsenal have signed Danish international Christian Nørgaard from Brentford. The experienced midfielder joins after six Premier League seasons, bringing leadership and tactical intelligence to Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

AS Monaco unveil Fati and Pogba: no revenge, but big dreams ahead

AS Monaco unveiled two remarkable signings on Thursday: Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba. Two players with scars, who now hope to shine once again in the principality as they once did.

Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup: 'I leave with a full heart'

Luka Modric confirms his departure from Real Madrid after 13 legendary seasons. The 39-year-old midfield icon will bid farewell at the Bernabéu before finishing his career with the Club World Cup. A tribute to one of the game's all-time greats.

Arteta doesn’t have Dembélé he doesn’t even have Gabriel Jesus

The English newspapers watched as Paris Saint-Germain knocked Arsenal, the last remaining English team, out of the Champions League. It has led to critical scrutiny of Arsenal and coach Mikel Arteta. The two-legged tie against the French side ultimately turned out to be one final disappointment.

Conceição on Milan's resounding derby win: 'Above all, my wife is happy'

AC Milan have actually achieved very little in Serie A this season. Yet, the Rossoneri could still end the season with two major trophies. On Wednesday, the team led by the upbeat coach Sérgio Conceição demolished city rivals Internazionale.

Top Countries

Around the web

Indonesia fail to reach the 2026 World Cup and sack Patrick Kluivert

After a near miss in Asian qualifying, Indonesia parts ways with Patrick Kluivert. The brief tenure brought tactical progress and mixed results, leaving a foundation to build on as the federation plans the next step toward a first ever World Cup.

These are the key matchups for Bayern against Dortmund and vice versa

On Saturday, league leaders Bayern Munich host the challengers from Dortmund. A look at the most exciting duels or three-way battles.

Cole Palmer is bad news for Chelsea: Unfortunately, I was wrong

Mallorca, a favorable opponent to extend the good run

La Liga returns to Nervion as Sevilla host bottom side Mallorca, chasing a second straight home win and looking to turn pre break momentum into a real run, while Jagoba Arrasate’s compact visitors seek to halt their away skid with a disciplined, counter focused plan.

Raphinha has them on edge

With the Clásico a week away, Barcelona manage Raphinha’s hamstring recovery with caution, ruling him out of Girona while targeting the Bernabéu. Flick prepares dual game plans, balancing risk, tactical impact, and the need to keep the winger fit beyond one match.

Messi takes Neymar’s record after a brace for Argentina

After Argentina’s friendly against Puerto Rico, Lionel Messi has another record to his name. In the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, Messi set up two Argentina goals and is now the player with the most international assists worldwide: sixty.

Frenkie de Jong and Barcelona reach agreement on a new contract

Frenkie de Jong has extended his contract with Barcelona until mid 2029. The reigning Spanish champions announced the new agreement with the Netherlands international on Wednesday afternoon.

Isak remains goalless and Arne Slot warns: Preseason is over

Record signing Alexander Isak enters a crucial stretch at Liverpool after a five match goal drought. Arne Slot says the striker has finally reached full fitness and will now be judged fairly, with Anfield’s showdown against Manchester United offering a prime chance to reset the narrative.

Deulofeu went almost 3 years without playing a match

Gerard Deulofeu, 31, has given a glimpse into his grueling recovery process. The former player for Barcelona, Everton and AC Milan has been dealing with a severe knee injury for years. Even so, he remains determined and has not given up hope of a comeback.

McKennie, notorious in Italy, is finally giving up hamburgers

Weston McKennie has caused a stir several times with his remarks about Italian food, but the American midfielder now seems to have mended his ways. At the urging of Juventus coach Igor Tudor, he has adjusted his diet.