Saudi football star makes switch to Swiss side

Saudi Arabian football star Hussain Abdulghani has signed with Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax on a three-year deal worth 2.2 million dollars, press reports said.

The 31-year-old Saudi defender has spent his entire career with Al Ahli and played in three World Cups for the Saudi side.

He announced the move in a press conference on Wednesday, according to UK-based sports site Sporting Life, saying he hoped it would pave the way for more Saudi players to move abroad.

"I would like to thank Al Ahli for their brave decision to let me go and move to Switzerland," the paper quoted him as saying.

"This move will be good for me and for Saudi football in general. I hope that this move will open the door for other Saudi players as they are talented and capable of playing in any football league in the world."

Abdulghani will travel to Switzerland after obtaining international clearance and is expected to join his new side on July 17.

Neuchâtel struggled last season in the Swiss league, finishing one place above the relegation zone.