In January, Turin's Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia surprised the football community by rejecting an offer from "Man Utd" and deciding to move to Qatar.
Now, the 31-year-old Moroccan has revealed his reasons for the decision.
"I heard a wave of criticism that hit me after the signed contract. However, I would like everyone to respect my decision, as it was the best for both me and my family.
I wanted my children to grow up in an Islamic atmosphere, and I could have moved to clubs in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, but I chose to join "Al Duhail" because there are many Moroccan footballers here whom I fight shoulder to shoulder with in the national team.
However, if the head coach of my country's national team, Herve Renard, who knows me well, decides that I am not worthy of defending the Moroccan colors, then I will respect that stance," - M.Benatia assured.
