No money, mo' problems
Last updated: 25th March 2008
Mustapha Riga: talking exclusively to Revista
I don't wish this for any other football player because it's not a nice situation.
Levante striker Riga on not being paid for eight months.
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Levante's in-form striker, Mustapha Riga, is what you could loosly refer to as an honest pro.
He has been getting on with what he is paid for: scoring goals.
One slight problem for the Dutch striker, who has had a remarkable season, notching 10 goals so far, is that he, or his team-mates, hasn't been paid for eight months!
Revista caught up with him to see just how Levante have been able to cope through these tough times.
"At the beginning it was like 'OK don't worry, we're going to get you your money,'" said Riga.
"And then in a years time we still haven't received anything. I have to admit I don't wish this for any other football player because it's not a nice situation.
"We also have families to take care of..."
Some of Levante's players have had to sell their cars and re-mortgage their houses to make ends meet: a far cry from the perceived glamour of one of Europe's best leagues.
But Riga and his team have been motivated by the passion of the fans.
"The fans keep on supporting the club," continued Riga, "and they keep on going for the club, and every second that you come on the pitch you see them shouting and still dying for the club and I cannot believe this.
"This is one of the things that gives me strength and motivation to keep on going.
"A couple of guys have already left the club because they were not getting paid but it makes us more together as a team.
"For the coach as well it has been difficult. Since he has been here, from day one everybody has been complaining to him: 'Boss we haven't been paid!'
"But he has been keeping the group together and trying to motivate everybody as far as he can."
Premier League
Riga has certainly put himself in the shop window with some eye-catching performances this season.
Playing as a lone striker, Riga has managed to bag 10 goals, which is no mean feat for a team rooted to the bottom of La Liga.
And there is one league in particular that he would like to play in.
"The Premier League has been always my first target. I have always wanted to play in the Premier League because it is also one of the best leagues in Europe.
"A very close friend of mine George Boateng always calls me - 'come to England, with your style of play you'll make it'
"I chose to come to Spain first, but you never know.
"If there is an official offer I would not hesitate."
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