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Bizarre footage shows Draxler walk down tunnel in Qatar without substitution or injury

talksport.com, 24 October 2023, 10:38
Having admitted his move to Qatar was money motivated, Julian Draxler seems to have had enough just three games in.

The former Germany regular joined Al Ahil in the summer, and not even the most famous one, moving to the Qatar iteration rather than the Saudi Pro League outfit led by Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez.

His unceremonious departure from Paris Saint-Germain as one of the team's undesirables saw the 30-year-old rock up in the Middle East and register an assist in each of his first two games.

In the third at the weekend against Qatar SC, Draxler was brought on at half-time with his side 3-0 down, and scored twice to cut the score to 3-2.

However, when Qatar SC scored a fourth in the final minute to end the tie, Draxler departed the pitch shortly after.

With no substitution or any reason to depart, the scene was completely bizarre and still without an official explanation.

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Some media reports suggest that Draxler was suffering with a stomach problem, but as of now the early walk-off remains a mystery.

One of a huge number of footballers to move to the Middle East this summer, Draxler ended up in Qatar rather than the Saudi Pro League, which was second to only the Premier League in spending.

Strongly linked with a return to boyhood team Schalke, fans hopes were shattered by his choice to leave Europe.

However, unlike many of his fellow professionals, and somewhat refreshingly, Draxler was happy to admit the move was money related.

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"Yes, of course the financial aspect also plays an important role for me," he said.

"I could stand up and say: 'After twelve years in Europe, all I care about is getting to know a new culture, having a new international experience, working on an exciting project the Arab world' - and exclude the issue of money.

"Even if these aspects are honestly true, it would still be a lie if the financial part wasn't also crucial in this case."

He did then add that a return home isn't out of the question.

"The thought of lacing up my football boots for Schalke again at some point is still in my head and I haven't given it up yet," he added.

"Of course it always depends a little on the time and how general situation. But playing for Schalke in the arena again would of course be a dream. To be honest, that was also a thought I had this summer."

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