Matteo Dams: Ronaldo Transfer Story & Millionaire Deal Revealed

“I remember that I was in the car. My phone was ringing – it was my broker Jorik. Only I am not such a caller, so I asked him to send a message.” This is very important for your future, “he emphasized. And then that story came …”

From an apartment on the 7th floor with a view over the Milloon city of Jeddah, Matteo Dams does the story of the moment when his career and life would change radically.

Because who would have dared to think a summer ago that the youth product of PSV, at that time a revelation with a minimum wage that lived with a host family, would be in Saudi Arabia a year later?

First back to last season.

In the opening months, Dams has grown at national champion PSV from a noble stranger to a whirlwind on the left in the Eredivisie and Champions League.

It seems that they are going to upgrade his descending basic contract in Eindhoven.

Until transferero fabrizio Romano on x suddenly shares a scoop that hits everyone with stiffening.

“Exclusive: Al-Ahli reaches a mouthful agreement on attracting Matteo Dams from PSV Eindhoven.”

On our editors – and undoubtedly many others – it is thought for a few seconds that it is a fake account, but the news is really.

“At the time of that tweet I was just busy arranging the passports for the travel to Saudi Arabia,” our countryman laughs seven months later. “If Fabrizio Romano shares something like that, you know that everyone is immediately aware. My phone exploded because of the messages. I literally deported it.”

A few days earlier there was the phone call in which our countryman learned the interest of Al-Ahli for the first time.

“Honestly: I thought it was a joke at first,” Dams grins. “That was not at all and it was also about a transfer in the winter. I asked a moment to think seriously, but certainly didn’t say no right away.”

“During my first search for info, I saw that it was a club with high sporting ambitions. Toppers such as Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney, Gabriel Veiga … That helped me in my choice. During the consultation with my parents I said at a certain moment: I think I want to enter into this adventure. They supported me in it.”

“Next, the negotiations started and everything went very quickly. You are really mentally in a rollercoaster, because in 2 weeks you have to leave everything and everyone behind.”

The necessary controversy also arose around the transfer from Dams to Al-Ahli.

The promise international not only received congratulations, but also criticism and incomprehension. Because why chooses a 20-year-old who is linked to the European (sub) top and Red Devils on earth for a transfer to the desert?

For many, the only explanatory answer is the financial picture.

“People can always have an opinion of everything about everything,” Dams put things into perspective.

“Everyone knows that there is a lot of money to earn in Saudi Arabia. Did that play a role? Yes, I am not going to do it hypocritical about that. Every football player is working on money, you want to be financially reassured.”

“Only: it is certainly not just about money. At PSV I might earn the least of the whole dressing room, but that didn’t matter to me. I played a lot, I felt at home and we were ambitious. Well, here too, the sporting has influenced a large part of my choice. Al-Ahli is a club that is really good than the level, but certainly no less than for example, but no less than the level for example, but no less than for example the level, but certainly no less than the level, but for example the level. Al-Hilal, that City was right at the World Cup for clubs … “

“If I assembled it sporting and financial, this was an opportunity that you might only get once in your life. I really couldn’t ignore that.”

Moreover, it is also not the case that Dams in the oil state is treated when a King’s Child is treated.

Okay, he exchanged his bike for a car with a private driver – a club’s measure to safely control the traffic chaos in the Milloon city of Jeddah. But otherwise our countryman must (learn to) take care of himself.

“It’s not just sleeping and shoting here,” the defender grins. “Is there a lamp broken? Or do I want to move to a new apartment? Then I have to arrange such things myself. I think that’s just good. As a person you go through a process towards adulthood. Sometimes falling and error. (Laughs) Yes, I have had to throw something away a few times when cooking.”

For someone in the shoes of Dams, it would be easy to start floating and let the money roll after his Euromillions deal.

“But nothing has changed because of my life because I now earn more,” he assures. “I try to stay very sober. Besides a good vacation I have not done foolishness. For me the focus is entirely on football.”

“Also my friends and family are not looking at me differently now that I earn well. When we go to a restaurant, I sometimes even do not even pay the bill of them. I am very grateful to them that everyone will continue to treat me in the same way.”

Sporty, the adventure of Dams can also be called a success.

In May he immediately wrote history with Al -Ahli by winning the Asian Champions League – a first in club history.

“That is the highest price on this continent,” our countryman enjoys.

“Here that price is really at the same level as the Champions League in Europe. It was a fantastic experience. After our triumph, parades, parties and even a visit to the royal family followed. They will of course celebrate such performances here for longer than in Europe. (Laugh) of course without alcohol.”

Last week, Dams also immediately won a second prize: the Saudi Supercup. In the final, the Belgian – central in Driemansdefensie – Mee Cristiano Ronaldo and Al -Nassr restrained.

“However, we felt the entire tournament (with 4 teams, ed.) Treated inferior. We had actually added some last minute because Al-Hilal had canceled after the World Cup for clubs. Every day we were only allowed to train and especially in the final against Al-Nassr we also felt that the fans and refs had it.”

Dams has already filled his prize cabinet in Saudi Arabia. And also on a personal level, he kept his move fine.

“I am completely settled here. In the beginning it took some getting used to the culture, warmth and the rhythm of life, but in the meantime I already feel at home here. My parents and family regularly visit and my girlfriend is about 3 weeks a month here.”

“How it is for her? Women have to take certain rules into account here, but it is certainly not as extreme as many think. She feels good here and can follow her studies remotely.”

To which Dams concludes: “My friends and family may live a little further, but actually my life here in Jeddah is the same as in Eindhoven.”

But without a bicycle.