Al-Nassr have branded claims that Jhon Duran lives 600 miles away and commutes to Saudi Arabia from Bahrain as “obnoxiously funny fake news”.
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Big-money addition to Saudi Pro LeagueHas joined all-time great Ronaldo in RiyadhReports of daily commute quickly rubbishedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Colombia international striker has become another big-money addition for the Riyadh-based outfit, with a €77 million (£65m/$80m) transfer completed from Premier League side Aston Villa. Duran is now working alongside five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
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He is looking to make the most of opportunities to learn from the Portuguese GOAT, but has faced accusations of basing himself outside of Saudi Arabia due to Islamic law that discourages unmarried couples from living together – as he has taken on a new challenge alongside his girlfriend.
WHAT AL-NASSR SAID
It has been claimed that Duran will be taking an 80-minute flight to training on a daily basis, before then returning to his new home in neighbouring Bahrain. Al-Nassr have responded to those reports by saying: “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. Jhon loves Riyadh and his house is near the club and the stadium. He is our new family member.”
WHAT NEXT?
Duran is said to have signed a contract with Al-Nassr that is worth close to £17m ($21m) per year, which works out at around £1,900 an hour. He could afford to live wherever he wants, with a private jet always on hand, but would appear to have set up camp close to his new Saudi Pro League employers.