Al Shabab signing Yann Carrasco admits Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone didn't want him to leave.
Carrasco left Atletico for the SPL last week.
He revealed: "Atltico is not a seller, (El Cholo) Simeone wanted me to stay."
Eventually, the winger decided to sign "for security" for the Saudi club, which was the only one that had submitted an offer.
"I'm getting older. I like adventures. It's enriching for human beings to discover new leagues, new cultures," he said.
"An economic decision? Everything goes together: being a footballer is a profession. You have to think twice. If there is an injury, it can be difficult, especially when you play a lot of games.
"I'm more at the end of my tether career. I still have the qualities to play for a big club, but if there is an injury, it can change quickly. Safety comes first."
