The 28-year-old talks about life in the desert, his salary, a running duel with Ronaldo and plenty of stars. Bauer is currently in a relegation battle with his club Al-Tai, and on Saturday there will be a duel with top club Al-Ahly for Roberto Firmino.
Mr. Bauer, you moved to Saudi Arabia last summer. Let’s be honest: what role did money play?
Robert Bauer: Of course it’s a big one, anything else would be a lie. We footballers only have a limited amount of time in which we can do our job. If you’re not a player at a top club, you have to think carefully about how you can use this time to be in a good financial position at the end of your career. I have already played in the Bundesliga and fulfilled my childhood dream. When the opportunity came to earn so much here, the move was a no-brainer for me.
You played in the Bundesliga for Ingolstadt, Bremen and Nuremberg. How much more do you earn as a percentage in Saudi Arabia?
Bauer: The salary is almost double that of the Bundesliga. But I also earned more at Arsenal Tula in Russia than in Germany.
You talk very openly about the topic of money; other professionals don’t find it so easy.
Bauer: Many players are afraid of the reaction of the fans when it comes to money. That’s why they try to act as if they only play for the love of the club. But with very few exceptions, no player’s love for a club is so great that he would give up money for it.
How did your move to Saudi Arabia come about?
Bauer: I had been in contact with a Saudi Arabian consultant for some time beforehand. A year before I moved, a club wanted to sign me. But the move fell through because I was still under contract with VV St. Truiden in Belgium at the time and the clubs couldn’t agree on a transfer fee. I was free in 2023, so it worked out.
How did those around you react to the change?
Bauer: Everyone is happy for me that I can play against stars like Cristiano Ronaldo. Only my parents are sad because I’m so far away. But the fact that it was Saudi Arabia of all places wasn’t a problem for them.
Robert Bauer: From Germany via Russia and Belgium to Saudi Arabia
2024-02-23 08:30:05
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