Saudi Pro League club, Al Nassr, have reacted to news that new signing, Jhon Duran, travels around 500 kilometres by air every day to join training sessions due to a restriction in Saudi Arabia.
Duran completed a big-money move from Aston Villa to Al Nassr at the end of January, but reports surfaced on social media stating the Colombian striker has been forced to live in neighbouring Bahrain.
“[Duran] insisted on living in the neighbouring state of Bahrain with his girlfriend. This is because in Saudi Arabia you are not allowed by law to live with your partner unless you are married,” the report stated. “He therefore will take a 80-minute flight to training every day from Bahrain to Riyadh.”
However, in a rebuttal, Al Nassr declared the report is totally false, adding that Duran lives close to the club’s stadium in Riyadh rather than in neighbouring Bahrain.
“We all heard about what’s called “fake news”, but this Is an obnoxiously funny fake news!
We are happy that our club matters this much,” Al Nassr stated. “Jhon loves Riyadh and his house is near the club and the stadium. He is our new family member.”
Duran made his debut for Al Nassr in the 4-0 win over Al Wasl in the Asian Champions League on Monday night.