Esteve Calzada has explained leaving Manchester City for Al-Hilal.

Calzada left City as commercial director to become chief executive officer of Al-Hilal.

He explained to Marca: "After the Treble, for an ambitious and hungry man like me, there were few things to do. From a sporting point of view we had already achieved everything and from a financial point of view we were solid. So, when Al Hilal contacted me at the end of August and explained the project to me, I immediately liked it.

"Of course, I have to confess that it was very difficult to leave City. I thought that club was the best possible place, professionally and humanly. That's why I would never have come to Al Hilal if I didn't believe in this project."

On Saudi football, he said: "Every time our team plays, the stadium is full and the atmosphere created in important matches, such as against Al Nassr, has nothing to envy the European classics. Plus there is a stable growth plan and an immense social base.

"On the day of my announcement, without me writing anything, my followers doubled. It's something very real. Obviously we don't have unlimited money, we have a budget and we have to stick to it, that's what my board of directors asks of me. I have very clear goals."