The German World Champion spoke about his move to Qatar, relationship with PSG and life in the Gulf nation in a recent interview.

German midfielder Julian Draxler has backed his move to Qatari football from Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain, claiming it was the “right choice” following injury struggles towards the end of his time at the French capital.

The current Al Ahli SC midfielder insisted that he initially considered the move to Qatar as a gateway to relaunch himself into European football after regaining his desired level.

“It was the right choice for me,” Draxler told French outlet Le Parisien. “I needed time to feel less pressure and not have immediate expectations of top performance.”

Draxler joined Al Ahli in the summer of 2023 following a muted loan spell in Portuguese side Benfica, which saw him play just 10 games in a season due to several injuries.

The German said he was still feeling the effects upon arriving in Qatar, but has become more settled now. A slow first season saw him sit out for 12 games due to injuries, but the 31-year-old still put on a decent tally of 11 goal contributions in 13 appearances for Al Ahli.

“My first year was a bit complicated,” he said. “I never really found the rhythm needed to get back to my level. The club gave me the time to take care of my body, and thanks to that, I became more decisive again.”

The second season was a significant improvement as Draxler headlined Al Ahli’s fourth-place finish with 12 goals and 8 assists. “Last season was great, which is why I extended until 2028. I’m enjoying myself,” he added.

‘I didn’t expect to feel so good’

Draxler’s move to Qatar in the then-struggling Al Ahli had raised eyebrows with several questioning if the attacking midfielder had squandered his talent.

Regarded as one of Germany’s brightest potential coming through the ranks, Draxler had been a part of the country’s World Cup-winning squad in 2014 and captained them to the Confederations Cup win three years later. Moving to Qatar at an age still considered to be peak years was a tough choice to make.

“I had opportunities in England, in a very physically demanding league, but I knew I wasn’t at my peak. To think I was going to revive my career here was a hard decision to make. I didn’t expect to feel so good,” he added.

When asked if he had come to terms with his decline marred by injuries, Draxler said he needed the “calm” to rejuvenate.

“I had suffered many injuries, but I trusted my qualities,” he said. “I felt I needed that calm to rebuild myself, and I don’t regret my choice at all.”

Regaining his flair and getting accustomed to the country made up for the change in plans.

“When I arrived, I thought, ‘You’ll earn a good living, get back on track, and after two seasons maybe try to return to Europe.’ But since I have everything I need here, I didn’t see myself going back.

“I understand people who say: it’s a pity, Julian is a talented player and he had the chance to do more during his career. But the most important thing in my life is that I’m happy with my family, not just football.”

While maintaining a normal life in Paris with all the spotlight was tough, no matter how much he loved the city, Draxler said his experience in Qatar had been better for him and his family.

“Life here is more normal for me. I can move around without feeling like I’m being followed. On a human level, that feels good.”

No animosities with PSG

Following what had been a couple of difficult seasons, Draxler was told that PSG no longer counted on him after returning from the Benfica role. He said it was “tough to swallow”, yet still loves the Qatar Sports Investment-owned club.

“I felt the end was near, and if I was able to sign in Qatar, it was thanks to PSG for reasons we all know. I still have a good relationship with the club and with president Nasser [Al-Khelaifi].

“It was an honour to play for PSG. I’m a little disappointed with how the story ended, but I’m sure we’ll see each other again at the Parc [des Princes] soon. I don’t want a big farewell, but I’ll be happy if one or two supporters remember me.”