Former Aston Villa man signed for UAE Pro League club Al Nasr after a tough season in England.
Former Australia midfielder Robbie Slater has slammed Brett Holman for his “cop-out” move to the cash rich Middle East.
The 29-year-old joined UAE Pro League side Al Nasr in the summer after just one season in England at Premier League giants Aston Villa, where he struggled to nail down a regular first-team spot under manager Paul Lambert, and Slater delivered a scathing rebuke on Holman’s decision.
“He gave up – Brett Holman gave up,” he told Four Four Two. “Don’t get me wrong I’m a big fan of Brett Holman and always have been. But I think he gave up.
“He had one year in the Premier League and it didn’t turn out, it all got too hard, he took the money and went to the Middle East.
“For me Brett Holman’s copped out. He had a good time in Holland, one year that was a bit hard in England and he’s left – taken the money in the Middle East – and I don’t rate it.”
Slater, capped 44-times by the Socceroos, believes players in their prime years should be disqualified from selection for the national team should they opt to chase the lucrative gains of a career playing in the Middle East.
The Fox Sports commentator also targeted current Australia international’s Alex Brosque and Matthew Spiranovic for turning their backs on playing in competitive leagues in favour of an easy windfall in UAE and Qatar.
“I don’t begrudge anyone a payday,” he added. “But when you’re playing for the national team and preparing for a World Cup, I don’t think it’s the right move.
“And you know what? When you get to the end of your career, you look back and see if you were a success or not – not how much money you’ve got.
“That’s my opinion and I think most people would probably back what I’m saying. I think for a younger player it’s a poor choice. “
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