Connor Pain has left Western United in the Isuzu UTE A-League to join Saudi Arabian second-tier outfit Al-Orobah Football Club for the 2023-24 season.
Pain has sealed a transfer to Saudi Arabia, where megastars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have headlined an influx of players making the move to the country’s top flight – the Saudi Pro League.
A foundation player for Western’s inaugural campaign in 2019, the 29-year-old helped lead the club to their maiden Championship in 2021-22.
He now joins Al-Orobah, who compete in the second division having earned promotion to the Saudi Pro League for the first time in their history in 2012-13.
“Being a foundation player, I’ve seen first-hand the growth of this club which hit its pinnacle for me with the 21-22 season, winning the Championship,” Pain said.
“It’s been the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make in football but something that has always sparked my interest is the ability football gives you to explore different cultures.
“I’ve met people along the way from players to staff that I will remain friends with forever, it’s been such a special experience.
“To all the fans that have supported both myself and the team through the good times and the trying, I hope you understand my decision and I just want to say thanks to all of you, so very sincerely.”
Source : keeup