WOrdinary workers would never dare to advise football royalty on where to spend the evening of their careers. But we do find it a bit crazy which places world and European champions are considering in order to transition into the active part of their semi-retirement.
The district of Recklinghausen may have its charms. But will world champion Kevin Großkreutz find his last footballing bliss there in the summer with sixth-rate SV Wacker Obercastrop?
Recklinghausen or Riyadh
In terms of climate and human rights, Recklinghausen is a more obvious choice than Riyadh, where it is very hot and very authoritarian.
Nevertheless, thanks to its petrodollars, the metropolis of Saudi Arabia is developing into a paradise for old stars of the world who have little else in mind than the ball.
Cristiano Ronaldo (38, European champion) is already there and making goals and friction, Lionel Messi (35, world champion) could follow in the summer.
The Argentinian, who no longer wanted at all costs at Paris-Saint Germain, could pocket 400 million euros a year. Let old Messi go into the desert! He’s already a tourism ambassador for the Saudis.
