Lassad Nouioui has explained why he could not agree a new contract with newly-promoted Deportivo: “I did not want to continue at a lower-League level.”
The Tunisian international was Depor’s top scorer last term as the team earned an immediate promotion back to the top flight.
However, his contract has expired with the side and he seems intent on not signing a new one.
“I’m 26, I do not want to continue at a lower-League level,” the striker, who is training in the south of France, told Terra Deportes Espana today.
“I want a good sports project, it is not just a question of money. My preferences are Spain, Germany, England or France.
“I spent five wonderful years at Depor, I have good memories and the people treated me very well. But sometimes you have to look after yourself.”
Club President Augusto Cesar Lendoiro has also commented on the issue this evening and suggested that the club had offered to treble his wages, but won’t be honouring that if he were to come back now.
“My agent and I did not accept the offer from Depor because it was a low bid. I believe that the club did not make an effort to make me stay.
“I wanted to stay, I told everyone, but not at any condition. There is one thing, and that is respect.
“I cannot be the player to have played the most minutes, been the leading scorer and then renew for less than half what my teammates are on. I should earn at least what they do, whilst some would charge three or four times as much as me.
“There are things that happen in football that are unexplained, but my case is not the first nor the last.
“In the last few years there have been many high level footballers at Depor – Lopo, Juan Rodriguez, Adrian, Colotto and Guardado – and they are all gone.”
