Rodrigo opens up on his Leeds United exit, his personal reasons, and life in Qatar

Former Leeds United forward Rodrigo has opened up on his decision to leave Elland Road this summer. The Spain international spent three seasons with the Whites with his final campaign with the club being by far his best and most productive.

He bagged 13 Premier League goals last season, doubling his previous tally, and he even wore the club's captain’s armband on occasions as he established himself as a leader within the group. Rodrigo was unable to prevent Leeds slipping out of the top flight, though, and in the weeks that followed the club’s relegation, he decided to call time on his spell with the Whites.

A move followed for the 32-year-old as he made the switch to Qatar Stars League outfit Al-Rayyan. The striker has found the back of the net five times in his 10 appearances for the club so far and, with the league taking something of a break, he has been reflecting on his Elland Road exit.

“Well, it was a very personal matter, this possibility arose and there was the circumstances at Leeds, on a personal level I can say it was a positive season. I even managed to finish with the Nations League title with the Spanish national team,” Rodrigo told Portuguese outlet A Bola.

“But football and life are circumstances, they are moments, they are opportunities, they are decisions, I considered that, given the circumstances I found myself in, it was the best option.

“I was also eager to face this new experience on a professional and personal level, living in a completely different country compared to what I was used to. And it has been very positive, I am very satisfied with the path and the decision I made.”

On his time in the Middle East so far, Rodrigo added: “It really is different, but it surprised me in a very positive way, it is a country that in recent years has been opening doors to the rest of the world, I think that the fact that they welcomed so many people to the World Cup was very important for the country, plus the more because they are people who like to receive.

“It's been a very good experience for me, I'm enjoying it both professionally and personally and it's really a beautiful place, which I recommend to anyone who wants to come, Qatar is worth it.”