Full-back Rasmus Kristensen is currently away with Denmark at the European Championships, with the defender still in limbo over his Leeds United future.
Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen says he is “sometimes ashamed” about the money he earns playing football. The full-back joined the Whites from FC Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2022 for a fee believed to be in the region of £10m.
He played 26 times in his maiden Whites season but was unable to help the club retain their Premier League status. Kristensen headed to Italian club Roma on loan last summer following United’s relegation to the Championship.
Kristensen featured 31 times for the Giallorossi during the 2023/24 campaign but it is not yet clear whether the Serie A side will look to sign him on a permanent basis following the appointment of new sporting director Florian Ghisolfi. The 26-year-old is currently with Denmark at the European Championships, helping the Danes reach the last 16 of the tournament. Kristensen was an unused substitute in Denmark’s three group stage matches.
When quizzed on his Elland Road salary, Kristensen said in a recent interview with Danish channel TV Midtvest: “It is not me who decides how much money I earn. I am offered a contract, and then I just politely say yes, thank you. But it’s crazy that there is so much money in football.
“I can be embarrassed that we as footballers earn so much. I’m actually ashamed sometimes.”
Kristensen, thought to be one of United’s top earners, added: “I don’t really do anything important, and it’s hard to say what I actually contribute to society. The only argument I have for us making so much money is that football means a lot to a lot of people. And here in Italy, football is almost on a par with religion.”
Kristensen is due to hold talks with the Elland Road hierarchy following Denmark’s participation at Euro 2024. The Danes face Germany in the last 16 today.
Copyright © 2024
Leave a Reply