Moroccan-blooded Dutch striker Anwar El Ghazi has joined English Premier League second division club Cardiff City after a falling out with Bundesliga club Mainz.
Anwar had his contract unilaterally terminated by Mainz in October 2023 for posting comments on social media supporting Palestine regarding the war in Gaza.
A German court in July 2024 ruled that Mainz’s contract termination with Anwar was invalid, so the 29-year-old striker received compensation worth 1.5 million euros from Mainz, AFP reported on Thursday (1/8) local time.
Anwar, who has twice played for the Dutch national team and once played with Aston Villa, expressed his joy at being able to return to the green field after a lengthy court process.
“I am really hungry and can’t wait to play for this great club,” said El Ghazi regarding his move to Cardiff.
“I know I haven’t played for a long time. But I’m keeping fit even though it feels different when training with the team. When I’m really fit, I want to help the team with goals, assists and experience. I will give everything for this team,” said the Feyenoord academy graduate.
Regarding his post on the X account, Anwar stated that he had no regrets and would continue to defend injustice in Gaza.
“It would be very unreasonable if we remain silent while we watch what happens in Gaza,” Anwar wrote on Wednesday (31/7).
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