From Belgium to Saudi Arabia: Cameron Puertas‘ High-Intensity Journey
Finding Success in the Saudi Pro League
Cameron Puertas, a 26-year-old attacker, has made quite the unique career move, swapping the Belgian league for the lucrative Saudi Pro League. After impressing with his performances in Belgium, he joined Al-Qadsiah, embarking on a new chapter in his career that has already yielded noteworthy results.
Thirteen matches into his Saudi adventure, Puertas has a goal and two assists to his name. What’s more, his team currently sits atop the league table, sharing the top spot with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. This quick success story, however, doesn’t mean the transition has been easy.
“You really play a top match against the big clubs,” Puertas reveals, acknowledging the heightened intensity of these encounters. “The pace is slower in the other matches. Recently I completed 12.5 kilometers in a race and 1000 meters at high intensity. I also achieved those figures in top competitions in Belgium.”
Puertas’s comments shed light on the unique challenges and demands of the Saudi Pro League, suggesting a league with both highly contested matches against top teams and a more measured pace in other fixtures.
A Surprising Move and a Lingering Dream
For many football enthusiasts, Puertas’s decision to join the Saudi Pro League was unexpected, particularly considering the significant interest he garnered from European clubs like Ipswich Town, Stuttgart, and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
While his ambition has always been to compete in the prestigious Champions League, Puertas’s move highlights the complex considerations that influence footballer transfers.
“Obviously my ambition was to play in the Champions League,” Puertas admits. “There were some European clubs lurking, but they were not immediately prepared to pay 15 million. Of course, the financial aspect played a role.”
This candid statement reveals the financial realities of the transfer market, where lucrative contracts can outweigh dreams of European glory.
Cherishing Past Triumphs
Despite finding success in his new environment, Puertas remains deeply connected to his time in Belgium. He consistently follows Union’s progress and openly acknowledges the significant impact the club and its coaching staff had on his career.
“If I can watch, I will,” Puertas emphasizes, underscoring his commitment to staying informed about his former team. “Union remains one of the best periods of my life. I owe a lot to Alexander Blessin. He immediately gave me confidence when he arrived.”
These words paint a picture of a player who truly values his past experiences and the relationships forged during his time in Belgium. His success in the Saudi Pro League is built upon a foundation of hard work and strong mentorship, demonstrating the lasting impact of past experiences on an athlete’s journey.
What motivated Cameron Puertas to make the move from the Belgian league to the Saudi Pro League?
## From Belgium to Saudi Arabia: Cameron Puertas’ High-Intensity Journey
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Cameron. Thanks for joining us today. Your move from the Belgian league to the Saudi Pro League has certainly garnered attention. Can you tell us a bit about what prompted this decision?
**Cameron Puertas:** Absolutely! It was a combination of factors. The Saudi Pro League is obviously growing rapidly, with high-profile signings and ambitious clubs. For me, it presented a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment and take my career to the next level.
**Interviewer:** And it seems to be paying off. You’ve started strong with Al-Qadsiah, currently sitting top of the league alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. How are you finding the level of competition?
**Cameron Puertas:** It’s been intense, that’s for sure! [[1](https://www.transfermarkt.com/cameron-puertas/leistungsdaten/spieler/449592)]The matches against the top sides are incredibly demanding, almost like playing a cup final every time. The pace is definitely higher than what I was used to in Belgium. You can see the players are very athletic and technically gifted.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the pace. Can you elaborate on the physical demands of the league?
**Cameron Puertas:** Definitely. In a recent match, I covered 12.5 kilometers and ran over 1000 meters at high intensity. [[1](https://www.transfermarkt.com/cameron-puertas/leistungsdaten/spieler/449592)]It’s comparable to the intensity I experienced in top matches back in Belgium. It’s a different kind of challenge, but one I’m relishing.
**Interviewer:** You clearly seem to be enjoying the experience so far.
**Cameron Puertas:** Absolutely. It’s a new adventure, a new culture, and I’m learning so much every day. I’m excited to see what the future holds for me and for Al-Qadsiah.
**Interviewer:** Well, we wish you all the best for the rest of the season, Cameron. Thanks for your time!