Georginio Wijnaldum is a player that has just about achieved everything in the game of football.
A star in his native Netherlands with Feyenoord and PSV, he moved to the English Premier League in 2015-16 to join Newcastle United, but it was at Liverpool that he really made a name for himself under Jurgen Klopp.
An instrumental part of their midfield for many seasons, he achieved the ultimate with the English giants by lifting both the Premier League and Champions League titles in the space of 12 months.
In among all that there was almost 100 caps for Netherlands, including a third-placed finish at the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
Having swapped the red of Liverpool for the green of Ettifaq, he is now settled into his new life in Dammam under another former Liverpool great, Steven Gerrard.
We caught up with the Dutch international to find out more about his personality and how he is settling into life in Saudi Arabia.
On what type of person he is away from the pitch
“Well I am a person who is happy, always laughing. Even when I don’t have a lot of reason to smile, I am still smiling and I think that makes people happy as well.”
On his favourite things to do
“My favourite thing to do is to travel with my family, with my friends and enjoy time with them. (Also) playing Playstation, FaceTiming my friends and just talking about life.”
On his favourite places in Saudi Arabia
“Dammam is quite nice, and I have to say Riyadh also. The only thing I don’t really like about Riyadh is the traffic, the traffic is a difficult part of Riyadh, but Riyadh is really nice. Jeddah also, you have the beach and everything. So there are a few places that I like, but if I had to choose one, Riyadh is the one.”
On what makes him happy
Making other people happy. I am also into photography, so that also makes me happy. Playing football makes me happy.”
On his greatest fear
“Now, probably death. Also if you think about it, you don’t know how long left you have to live, which is quite scary.”
On his hero in life
“I like people that help other people and do good for other people. But honestly, Denzel Washington, I think he is the biggest hero I have.”
On his taste in music
“My favourite rapper is Lil Wayne. Since I was young I’ve listened to his music and like his music. On the other side I also like to listen to Drake, J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, I like Jay Z. So there are a few, but Lil Wayne I like the most.”
On his motto in life
“Enjoy life as long as you live!”
